The American Library Association (ALA) is teaming up with Skybound Entertainment and Hasbro to encourage more people to support their local libraries Transformer’s Optimus Prime, as part of Library Card Sign-Up Month in September.

Speaking of this new initiative, ALA President Emily Drabinski said:

“We love the energy of the TRANSFORMERS franchise, and we’re excited for this collaboration with Skybound and Hasbro to encourage kids both young and old toroll outto their libraries and get their library cards during National Library Card Sign-Up Month in September. Library cards open worlds of opportunity for Autobots and humans alike. Whether or not your favorite genre is science fiction, library cards spark creativity and inspire critical thinking skills. Join Optimus Prime, who I’m told is a huge library fan, and check out your local library.”

Arune Singh, VP, Brand, Editorial, Skybound Entertainment added:

“Libraries are more important than ever to our communities, opening up worlds of knowledge and adventure to all people. We’re thrilled to work with ALA to bring Optimus Prime’s message of respect and inclusivity to all sentient beings, whether bots, humans or anyone else who loves to read! There’s no better time to show your support for your local libraries than now.”

It’s a great initiative, but it ain’t free. Posters and bookmarks featuring Optimus Prime with a library card are available for purchase in the ALA store. Following that will be some freebies; free Library Card Sign-up Month graphics will be made available along with media tools such as a press release template, proclamation, and sample social media posts.

Even without this initiative, libraries are a rare resource and should be cherished. Here in Birmingham, as part of a huge cost cutting exercise, many of our own local libraries, including my own, are in danger of closing. And that’s after a far few closures some years back right across the UK. So, it really could be that if they aren’t used, they could be lost. And, you shouldn’t need a poster and a bookmark to encourage you to go visit your library. After all, where else can you read so many books, comics and everything in between for free and legally?