Exhibition at POSTER HOUSE

April 23 through November 1

This exhibition includes book-related posters from the United States, Great Britain, Canada, and Germany printed during both world wars. All of these nations relied on public book donations and fundraising to supply soldiers with reading material, and many posters aimed to mobilize the public to give. While some encourage escapist fiction and recreational reading, educational books were also acquired for troops to help them prepare for promotion within the Army, future jobs, or civilian life. By World War II, books had also become a powerful symbol of freedom and democracy for America and its allies.

West Side Fest: Reading Under Fire Curatorial Tour

July 11, Saturday, 4:00–5:00 PM
Free; advance registration is required.

Recruiting all bookworms! Join curator Molly Guptill Manning for an in-depth tour of Reading Under Fire: Arming Minds & Hearts During Wartime. Learn how posters produced during World Wars I and II shaped an international movement to promote reading and support morale, education, and connection during wartime.