Picturing America for Public Libraries

The Public Library used the Picturing America posters to feature displays and programs throughout the grant term. During the fall, winter, and spring, a variety of posters depicting historical occasions were used to promote the recognition of special holidays, such as Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, and Memorial Day. The posters, along with library material, were displayed together to highlight each holiday and to acknowledge the historical events. In November, we held a special Veteran’s Day celebration featuring the “Our Heroes’ Tree” project, endorsed by the Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University for the state of Indiana. The purpose of the project was to help raise awareness about military service members and their families and the challenges they face before, during, and after their service to our country. A Christmas tree was displayed early in November, decorated with white lights, yellow ribbons, and flags. The public was invited to create handmade ornaments in recognition of a loved one who served or is serving in the military. Several Picturing America Posters were used for display and served as wonderful reminders for acknowledging our country’s past and the sacrifices made.

In addition, several posters, Abraham Lincoln in particular, were used in celebration of Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday celebration. In recognition of Youth Art Month, the Youth Department displayed Picturing America posters depicting creativity, ingenuity, and landscapes for an “I Spy Challenge”. For 2 months, youth were invited to view a variety of Picturing America Posters to locate a required list of items from the more intricate works of art. A different poster was highlighted each week, for a total of 8 weeks. Small incentives were rewarded to those who participated.

The Youth Services Department recently hired a new Children’s Assistant, who also happens to be a children’s book illustrator. This employee intends to integrate the posters into our “Be Creative @ Your Library” 2009 Summer Reading Program. She will be hosting creative writing programs this summer, as well as into the 2009-2010 school year. The posters will be used as visuals for the older youth to obtain ideas for creating stories.

Submitted by Jody Maples