IN THE Central Gallery

Children's Book Week Posters

The art poster, which gained popularity in Europe and subsequently in the United States in the late 1800s, rapidly established itself as a powerful vehicle for expression. It was an ideal way for The Children’s Book Council to spread the word, through their Children’s Book Week Posters, regarding the importance of reading and the power of books to shape character and ideas.

The twenty six posters on view in the Central Gallery have much to convey. From the idyllic scene of innocent childhood (1920) to the image of children protesting (1969), you are encouraged to look for clues to the history, social climate, and wider concerns of the country during the times represented in these works.

The posters are the gift of Peter and Lorraine Stern, and we are deeply grateful for their generosity.