Feature Points
- VINTAGE PRINT REPRODUCTION: Historic reproduction of 1936 Chicago Don't Gum Up a Book WPA Library Poster. Printed on archival-grade paper that resists fading and discoloration for over 100 years. Perfect for home, office, or gallery display.
- PREMIUM GALLERY PAPER: Heavyweight fine art paper with non-reflective matte finish eliminates glare while delivering museum-grade appearance and lasting durability.
- PROFESSIONALLY RESTORED: Each image is digitally restored by our art specialists to remove age-related deterioration while preserving authentic historical details and character.
- BORDERLESS DESIGN: Artwork prints edge-to-edge for a seamless, gallery-ready appearance. Ships protected in rigid tube packaging to prevent damage and ensure perfect condition upon arrival.
- MADE IN USA: Our multi-step restoration process and quality control ensure each print meets professional standards. Every reproduction is individually inspected before shipping.
Additional Information
This hygiene-focused library poster from the WPA Federal Art Project warns against eating while reading, preventing sticky damage to public books. Created during the 1930s, the playful yet firm design addressed common problems when Depression-era families often combined limited leisure time with meals, inadvertently damaging precious library resources.
The poster targeted widespread habits of reading during meals when working-class Americans maximized scarce free time between long work hours or job searching. Food residue attracted insects, caused pages to stick together, and created permanent stains, making books unpleasant or impossible for subsequent readers, undermining libraries' democratic mission of equal access.
WPA designers employed humor to deliver serious messages about civic responsibility without seeming preachy or elitist. The colloquial "gum up" resonated with working-class vernacular while the visual design made rules memorable for children who frequently snacked while reading, creating lasting behavioral changes through approachable rather than authoritarian messaging.
This charming poster stands as evidence of creative approaches to public behavior modification during economic crisis. The artwork demonstrates how federal programs supported community institutions through preventive education, protecting shared resources for future generations while respecting patron dignity, making it an extraordinary addition to any collection documenting American library culture and social messaging.
