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A magnet featuring Books Wanted, 1918, by Charles Buckles Falls.
During World Wars I and II, it was necessary to provide materials to maintain soldier morale. Because foot soldiers had to carry all of their possessions, books proved to be ideal for entertainment, education, and comfort. The United States and other countries relied on public book donations and fundraising to supply soldiers with reading material, and many posters were produced to mobilize the public to give.
In 1918, Charles Buckles Falls was hired by the American Library Association to paint a 15-foot mural of this design on a giant canvas at the New York Public Library’s 42nd Street entrance. The image was so well received that it was used in multiple posters. While the original version of this poster advised viewers to “take your gifts to the public library,” some librarians modified it to specify that a state library or a university library was collecting books. This copy of Books Wanted was altered from “public” to “state” library.
Measures 3.5 x 2.5 inches.
