Knowledge Wins–American Library Association Advocacy during World War I

For Memorial Day, a World War I poster from our collection of world war posters: “Knowledge Wins…Public Library Books are Free”. This is one of several posters commissioned by the American Library Association. This particular poster was designed by Daniel Stevens, an American illustrator originally from Philadelphia, who was best known for his depiction of Western Americana scenes.

knowledgewinsposter

During WWI, ALA created the War Service Committee, which established more than 30 libraries at training facilities and other encampments for soldiers.