Picturing America for Public Libraries

The Cherry Valley Public Library District in Cherry Valley, Illinois used one or more posters monthly to promote some aspect of library services. For instance, the library is a polling place. We promoted voting by using the poster "The County Election" by George Caleb Bingham. Next to the poster on a small table were two library books featuring the artwork of Bingham. This display was set up by the “New Book” section for maximum public exposure. Other examples include:

September
• John Biglin in a Single Scull used to promote the Rock River Reggata in Rockford, IL.
October and November
• Veteran in a New Field to feature Veterans' Day activities and the beauty of autumn harvest
• The County Election to promote the national and state elections, particularly as the library is a polling place.
December
• Washington Crossing the Delaware to highlight the patriotism and deprivation of persons committed to the founding of our nation crossing the Delaware on Christmas night.
January and February
• Abraham Lincoln to highlight Lincoln bicentennial programs and exhibits at the library during these months.
• George Washington to highlight President's Day.
March
• Migrant Mother to highlight the despair of some during our country's deepening recession and loss of jobs at the nearby Chrysler Plant in Belvidere, IL.
April
• Falling Water to highlight the library's New Connections book club discussion on the fictionalized account of Wright's life, "Loving Frank."
• Quilts of the 19th and 20th Centuries to promote the Sinnissippi Quilters Guild Biennial regional quilt show in Rockford. The library has a partnership with the guild in which we regularly display rotating, award-winning quilts.
May
• Portrait of a Boy to highlight Mother's Day
• Allies Day to highlight Memorial Day
June
• The Boating Party to highlight the seasonal reopening of the Rock River for pleasure boating.

Submitted by Eve Kirk