Scotch Plains Public Library is one of only four New Jersey institutions to have received a World War 1 and America grant. This grant, along with a generous gift from the Fanwood-Scotch Plains Service League, enables us to offer original programming to commemorate the centennial of American involvement in World War One, and to explore the ongoing experience of veterans who have served in our lifetimes.
Presented by Library of America with support from the NEH, World War I and America is a two-year initiative that aims to bring veterans and their families together with the general public to explore the continuing relevance of the war by reading, discussing, and sharing insights into the writings of Americans who experienced it firsthand.
September programs at Scotch Plains Public Library include:
- Monday, September 18, 7 pm: Opening Event: Prelude to War: The Events That Drew the U.S. into WWI, lecture by Tim White, Assistant Professor of History, New Jersey City University
- Monday, September 25, 7 pm: War Illustration: A Straight Unbroken Line, presentations by two illustrators who are active members of the Society of Illustrators’ Air Force Art Program and other projects involving the military.
Propaganda Posters of WW1 — Dennis Dittrich, illustrator, and Associate Professor of Art, New Jersey City University
Observations from an illustrator embedding with warriors in training and on the front lines — Victor Juhasz, illustrator
- Thursday, September 28, 7 pm: Combat paper and Frontline Arts
Veterans who have created written word and visual art pieces through this project (https://www.frontlinearts.org/the-story/) will share their work and their stories with attendees.
Registration for these events is recommended. Please visit our website, www.scotlib.org, or call 908-322-5007 x204 for more information and to register. Scotch Plains Public Library is located at 1927 Bartle Avenue, one block from Park Avenue in the center of town.
