Magnus Norstad created this pleasant image in the early 1900's. He was a Minnesota artist famous for one painting, "City on a Hill" which won a silver metal at the 1917 Exhibition of Northwestern Artists at the St. Paul Institute.

Posters supporting reading have been a regular subject for American artists all through the 20th Century. The subject was particularly popular during the Works Progress Administration (WPA) which was in existence from 1935 to 1943. Thousands of posters were created by the artists of the Federal Art Project, which was part of the WPA. Many of the reading and library posters that were created are on this site. The Library of Congress has the largest collection of WPA posters in existence.

How the Library of Congress prioritizes reading is seen in its creation of "The Center for the Book" in 1977. The Cetner uses the resources and prestige of the Library to promote books, reading, libraries, and literacy. Within the Library, the Center is a focal point for celebrating the legacy of books and the printed word. Outside the Library, the Center works closely with other organizations to foster understanding of the vital role of books, reading, libraries and literacy in society. On behalf of books and reading, the Center for the Book serves as an advocate, a catalyst, and a source of ideas--both nationally and internationally.

To read more about the Center for the Book, click on:

Medium : 1 print : (poster) : color

Created/Published : ca. 1910

Creator : Magnus Norstad, artist, 1884-1961

Housed in the Prints and Photographs Division of the Library of Congress

Availability: Usually ships in one week

Product #: cph3b48244