Jay-Z Is Auctioning a Briefcase Full of Rare Memorabilia to Support the Brooklyn Library
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Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter has found a fittingly poetic way to give back to his hometown: He’s auctioning off a case full of custom library cards to raise funds for the Brooklyn Public Library.
The single-lot sale, organized by Jay-Z’s Roc Nation and Christie’s, was inspired by The Book of HOV. The ongoing tribute exhibition at the Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch, is a celebration of Carter’s, or Hov’s, extraordinary journey from Brooklyn’s Marcy Projects to the global stage.
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Since opening on July 14, the show has drawn nearly 600,000 attendees. It has also seen a 70 percent increase in foot traffic and a remarkable 553 percent surge in new library card registrations at Central Library. The memorabilia up for auction is an homage to Jay-Z’s influence as a musician, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. It’s also a reminder of the importance of community institutions.
The 13 library cards going under the gavel are metallic replicas of the cards Roc Nation created for attendees of The Book Of HOV, with each one showcasing a different artwork from the rapper’s solo studio albums. (Think of it as a mini-retrospective of Hov’s artistic journey.) The rarities are housed inside a black leather case that was crafted by French trunkmaker Pinel et Pinel and signed by Jay-Z. Also inside the case is a metal bookmark and a commemorative card for The Book of HOV.
“We staged the exhibit at the Brooklyn Public Library, to serve as a reminder that genius lives in us all and there should be no barrier to knowledge and opportunity,” Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez said in a statement. “Collaborating with Christie’s for this auction is an honor and I hope that the spirit of The Book of HOV serves as an inspiration for others to consistently support vital community institutions.”
Money raised from the auction will directly support the Brooklyn Public Library.
“Proceeds from the sale of the limited-edition cards will enhance the library’s ability to continue providing high-quality programming and services free of charge,” adds Brooklyn Public Library’s president and CEO Linda E. Johnson.
The auction will take place online, with bidding open from November 29 to December 5. The lot will also be on display at Christie’s Rockefeller Center galleries from December 1 to 5, if you’re keen to see it in person.
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