{"product_id":"1936-chicago-dont-gum-up-a-book-wpa-federal-art-project-library-poster","title":"1936 Chicago Don't Gum Up a Book WPA Federal Art Project Library Poster - Depression Era Art Deco - Archival Reproduction","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeature Points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\t\u003cli\u003eVINTAGE 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\t\u003cli\u003ePREMIUM GALLERY PAPER: Heavyweight fine art paper with non-reflective matte finish eliminates glare while delivering museum-grade appearance and lasting durability.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\t\u003cli\u003ePROFESSIONALLY RESTORED: Each image is digitally restored by our art specialists to remove age-related deterioration while preserving authentic historical details and character.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\t\u003cli\u003eBORDERLESS 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\t\u003cli\u003eMADE IN USA: Our multi-step restoration process and quality control ensure each print meets professional standards. Every reproduction is individually inspected before shipping.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdditional Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis 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.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe 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.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWPA 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.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Historic Prints","offers":[{"title":"8x10 Inch","offer_id":46331146666173,"sku":"ENPM0054_0810V","price":25.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"11x14 Inch","offer_id":46331146698941,"sku":"ENPM0054_1114V","price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20 Inch","offer_id":46331146731709,"sku":"ENPM0054_1620V","price":58.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24 Inch","offer_id":46331146764477,"sku":"ENPM0054_1824V","price":67.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30 Inch","offer_id":46331146797245,"sku":"ENPM0054_2430V","price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0504\/5459\/3725\/files\/eb6bfc2a-f7a7-5d75-bbc4-c56c75cf9c3d.jpg?v=1769055312","url":"https:\/\/historicprints.com\/es\/products\/1936-chicago-dont-gum-up-a-book-wpa-federal-art-project-library-poster","provider":"Historic Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}