The American Booksellers Association and Out of Print (OOP), the book-themed sidelines company owned by Penguin Random House, have collaborated on a new line of book-themed face masks. A portion of each sale is being donated to the Book Industry Charitable Foundation (Binc) to assist bookstores impacted by COVID-19.
Seven different styles are available and each mask, made of cotton and polyester, sells for $12. They have been available online for pre-order and have already sold 13,000 units. The masks will go on sale at stores starting July 6.
With the strong first week demand, the Out of Print Literary Masks has become the biggest new-product launch in the company's ten-year history, according to Todd Lawton, managing director and cofounder of the company.
Two designs are based on books, including "The Pigeon," depicting art by children's illustrator Mo Willems, and another inspired by the novel The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by the Douglas Adams. The remainder are original designs by OOP with literary themes, such as a depiction of books or bookshelves, the titles of books phrases such as "Book Nerd" accompanied by hearts.
Allison Hill, CEO of the ABA, said, “Out of Print has always been a great partner to the indies and a great example of blending social responsibility with business. ABA is excited about this launch and very grateful for Out of Print's support of Binc.”
Since the start of the pandemic Out of Print has collaborated with Mo Willems on a "Take Heart" COVID-19 benefit tee shirt created from an original illustration of his, with 100% of the profits donated to World Central Kitchen. On June 2, OOP, donated $50,000—representing 100% of its profits from sales that day to Black Lives Matter.
