Parents often come to me exasperated over trying to help their children select reading material. Even after several suggestions, I too, am often unable to find a book that lights up the eyes of the young reader. After showing the young reader title after title, our suggestions just don't make the cut.

Why not? Studies have shown, and continue to confirm, that the media stars children see on television and in the movies influence them more than family members (and perhaps their librarian). As a result, the American Library Association (ALA) began a bold new READ poster campaign to reach reluctant readers.

In 1985, the ALA produced its first READ poster. It depicted Bill Cosby with his favorite book, “Treasure Island.” That initial poster led the way to reading endorsements by hundreds of movie stars, singers, sports heroes and even the Muppets. Today, celebrities continue to donate their time and the use of their photograph. They also select the book they hold in their pictures.

In library circles, getting your picture on a READ poster is comparable to making the cover of Time or Newsweek. Librarians anxiously wait to see who will be added to the collection next. This summer's catalog included Indy Car driver, Dancia Patrick as the newest addition to the celebrity list. Dancia chose to be photographed with James Patterson's book, “Sam's Letters to Jennifer.” Posters of Alan Rickman, Ben Roethlisberger and the New York Rangers will appear in August.

I admit that I don't always recognize the person on the poster. Thanks to the READ campaign, I discovered Ani DiFranco, a feminist folksinger and songwriter/performer who grew up in Buffalo. She started her own record company (Righteous Babe) at 19 and has been on the cover of SPIN and Ms. Ani is pictured with the biography of one of her heroes, Woody Guthrie. Another celebrity with whom I was unfamiliar is Jamie Kennedy from the “Scream” movies. Although I am not an avid fan of his movies, I agree with his choice of a fun book. On his brightly colored READ poster, Jami touts “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak.

Two very different celebrities chose another of my favorite books. Both Enrique Iglesisa and Bill Gates selected Ernest Hemingway's “The Old Man and The Sea.” Who would have guessed those two men would have had that book in common?

The latest trend in READ posters is to make your own. The ALA has developed a CD that contains several pre-designed backgrounds so that users can create their own promotional materials. Communities have used local police officers, firefighters, politicians, teachers and students to encourage reading and community involvement. The posters with familiar faces then appear in local schools, government offices and businesses.

The Finger Lakes Library System has recently purchased a CD and will be making it available to member libraries.

READ posters aren't just for libraries and librarians. Anyone can obtain a READ poster for his or her home. You can request a catalog by calling the ALA's toll free number (866) SHOP-ALA.

Libbie Messina is a librarian at Stewart Lang Memorial Library in Cato