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Posters of Progress

Written\ Created \ Syndicated by dbayo

Montage of ALA promotional posters

From wartime appeals to celebrity-studded reading campaigns, library posters have long captured the evolving role of libraries in American life. This feature traces the American Library Association’s (ALA) history through some of its most iconic visuals—the patriotic mobilization of ALA’s Library War Service, the pop-culture energy of its READ posters, the spirited encouragement of the “Wake Up and Read” campaign (in partnership with the publishing community), and the fearless advocacy of Banned Books Week. Together, these images chart a story of the profession’s unflinching ideals of access, literacy, and intellectual freedom, showcasing how libraries continue to reimagine their place in public life.

1917–1919

World War I and Library War Service

World War I and Library War Service postersa. Knowledge Wins (1918)
b. Books Wanted (1918)
c. “Hey Fellows!” (1918)

1920–1939

ALA’s 50th anniversary and early promotional posters

50th anniversary and early library postersd. Hospital Library Service (1925)
e. Public Libraries: An American Contribution to Civilization (1926)
f. 50 Years: The University of the People (1926)
g. Library Work: The Profession on Which All Other Professions Depend (1925)
h. Develop the Power That Is within You (1921)

1940–1959

World War II and tools for democracy

World War II library posters

i. Give More Books, Give Good Books: Victory Book Campaign (1943)
j. Wake Up and Read! (1959)
k. Books Are Weapons in the War of Ideas (1942)
l. Reading Is Not Rationed (1943)

1960–1989

Literacy campaigns, banned books, community engagement

Library posters from the 60s to the 80s

m. Open Wonderful New Worlds: Wake Up and Read! (1960)
n. Read: The Fifth Freedom …. Enjoy It! (1963)
o. Banned Books Week (1986)
p. Explore Inner Space: Read (1967)
q. Get a Head Start (1985)
r. Be All You Can Be. Read. (1968)
s. Reading Is for Everybody (1970)

1990–Present

The modern era

Modern library posters

t. Censorship Is So 1984 (2025)
u. Join Shaq’s Team (1994)
v. Read Newbery-Caldecott-Wilder Award Books (1992)
w. Open Your Mind to a Banned Book

Famous READers through the Years

Montage of celebrity READ posters

1. Mickey Mouse (1978)
2. Miss Piggy (1980)
3. David Bowie (1986)
4. Indigo Girls (2002)
5. Yo-Yo Ma (2001)
6. LeVar Burton (2002)
7. Dolly Parton (2023)
8. Meg Medina (2023)

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