Friday, July 10, 2026
Barbie stamps make their debut
The new issuance will be released at a collectors convention
The Postal Service will release its new Barbie stamps on Saturday, July 11.
The stamps pay tribute to the world’s bestselling doll and how Barbie became a symbol of limitless possibilities for generations.
Mattel Inc. introduced Barbie in 1959 as “The Original Teenage Fashion Model.” The doll quickly became a cultural icon and has represented more than 250 careers over six decades.
The stamps highlight the Barbie doll’s career journey, each featuring an era-appropriate doll dressed for a particular role: registered nurse, surgeon, astronaut, firefighter, paleontologist, sign language teacher, robotics engineer, judge, soccer player and musical artist.
Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, worked with Mattel to design the stamps and pane.
Kessler said the stamps use bright, energetic shades — predominately the famous “Barbie Pink” — to evoke a feeling of joy.
The Barbie stamps are a third taller than the usual vertical commemorative stamp. While there will be no official dedication ceremony, the stamps will go on sale during the 2026 National Barbie Doll Collectors Convention in Austin, TX.
The Forever stamps will be available in panes of 10 at Post Offices and on usps.com.
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People
A warm welcome
Career conference newbie praises Ohio 2 District event
Cynthia Henson, an acting supervisor in Lebanon, OH, attended her first career conference recently and was very glad she did.
“Everyone was so welcoming,” she said of the Ohio 2 District event held in Columbus. “It was a great experience.”
Henson was glad to learn more about aspects of the organization that she knew little about.
“I got to talk to people from the processing side,” she explained. “I learned more about plants and the challenges they face. I work in customer service, so I didn’t know how distribution operates.”
She also appreciated finding out about work opportunities by networking with leadership.
“I most definitely would recommend attending an event in the future,” she said. “This is a great way to move up or move around in the organization.”
Hot tips from two Michigan carriers
Two Michigan employees recently offered a window into how they keep cool when it’s hotter than blazes outside.
Veteran Letter Carrier Richard Albo has refined his approach after 22 summers.
“I start the day with my walking loops because it’s a little cooler in the mornings. I might pour some cool water on my head. I also have a cloth that I soak with cool water and place around my neck which keeps me comfortable.”
Albo said he makes it a point to tell newer employees “not to be a hero” when it comes to safety.
“It’s a tough job in the extreme heat, but I love it.”
Wesley Shannon, a city carrier assistant in Warren, is only in his second summer but already has a go-to hack: He freezes bottles of water and puts them in a cooler in his vehicle.
“They thaw throughout the day, so I always have a supply of cold water,” Shannon said.
And there are some oases along the way: “I also have a couple of retired postal workers on my route who offer me water because they know what it’s like.”
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News Quiz
Gracing the top right corner
What do you know about the recently announced 2026 stamps?
“News Quiz” is a weekly feature that lets you test your knowledge of recent Link stories. The correct answers appear at the end.
1. Which of the following is not one of the newly announced 2026 stamps?
a) Christmas Cookies
b) Know the Facts About Fentanyl
c) Summer Seashores
d) U.S. Coast Guard Academy
2. What objects are stylistically depicted on the 1776 postmark commemorating the United States’ 250th birthday?
a) Cannons
b) Drumsticks
c) Muskets
d) Quill pens
3. What is the notable tavern and lodging house located in Sudbury, MA — the town with the 01776 ZIP Code?
a) Freedom Lodging
b) Heaven’s Hideaway
c) Reynolds Tavern
d) Wayside Inn
4. What is the theme of the USPS career conferences running through Aug. 30?
a) “Climbing the Ladder”
b) “On the Eagle’s Wings”
c) “Own Your Path to Success”
d) “Red, White and Postal Blue”
5. What did Rochester, NY, Letter Carrier Michael Zimmermann find in a parking lot behind a snowbank?
a) Abandoned dog tied to a pole
b) Man who had slipped on the ice
c) Purse containing $500 in cash
d) Young girl frantically looking for her mother
Answers: 1) c. 2) d. 3) d. 4) c. 5) a.
Postal Bulletin focuses on preventing heat illness
Postal Bulletin’s latest edition, published July 9, explains the importance of drinking water to prevent heat illness.
Updates to the organization’s policies, procedures and forms are also included.
Employees can go to usps.com to read and download the latest Postal Bulletin, along with past issues.
New badge cards will have CPR information
The Postal Service is providing employees with badge cards that provide an easy-to-follow guide through the steps of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR.
The cards are informational only and designed to be a reference tool during medical emergencies for employees who are trained in CPR. They are the same size as employee ID badges and can fit inside an identification card holder.
Managers and supervisors should ensure each employee receives a card. They can be ordered through eBuyPlus; the PSN is 7530-20-000-0174.
In a situation where CPR is needed, employees should call 911 immediately.
View past printouts
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What's included
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Barbie stamps make their debut
The new issuance will be released at a collectors convention
-
People
A warm welcome
Career conference newbie praises Ohio 2 District event
-
News Quiz
Gracing the top right corner
What do you know about the recently announced 2026 stamps?
-
Brief
Postal Bulletin focuses on preventing heat illness
-
Brief
New badge cards will have CPR information