ABFFE to Benefit From Bestselling “Banned Book” Jewelry

The American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression (ABFFE) announced today that award-winning jewelry designer Carolyn Forsman, creator of the bestselling “I Read Banned Books” bracelets, has joined its affiliate program. The program gives booksellers an opportunity to support ABFFE by purchasing great products, including reading glasses, 3-D bookmarks and incense. Affiliates give ABFFE a contribution based on their sales to independent bookstores.

“We are thrilled to welcome Carolyn Forsman as an affiliate partner,” ABFFE President Chris Finan said. “As a former librarian, innovative designer, entrepreneur, and longtime philanthropist, Carolyn has earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues and customers alike.”

Forsman’s company, Carolyn Forsman Conversation Piece Jewelry, produces creative “conversation piece” works of wearable and affordable art. Forsman created the “I Read Banned Books” bracelet in 2005 to benefit the ALA Freedom to Read Foundation and helped raise over $150,000. The bracelet is sold in more than 200 museum stores and independent bookstores across the U.S, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Her snow globe ring and double helix bracelet are signature pieces in the MOMA Design Store.

Raised in the tenements of the Bronx, Carolyn escaped poverty through reading and education. After graduating from Hunter College High School, she entered New York University and earned a masters degree in library science from the University of California at Berkeley. Carolyn worked as a reference librarian and educator before founding her company in 1979. She was named to the Honor Roll of Freedom in 2001 by the Freedom to Read Foundation and received the Museum Store Association Service Award in 2009.

To see the Carolyn Forsman Conversation Piece collection and place an online order, visit carolynforsman.com.

Attendees at BookExpo America can examine the jewelry in person. ABFFE will host its affiliates in Booth 3589 on the show floor. Forsman will be present as will representatives of ABFFE’s other affiliates – 2020 Vision USA, EmotionGallery, and Maroma USA.