World War I Programming to Begin at the Scotch Plains Public Library

As we mark the 100th anniversary of US entry into World War I, the Scotch Plains Public Library is pleased to present the World War I and America series, which will run from September 18 through November 9. As one of only four New Jersey institutions to have received the World War I and America grant, and with a generous gift from the Fanwood-Scotch Plains Service League, the public library will 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.

Opening the series on Monday, September 18 at 7 pm, Tim White, Associate Professor of History at New Jersey City University, will orient the audience to the time period (April 1917 through November 1918) that will be covered in the subsequent lectures, readings, discussions and films. The focus will be on the major events of the war up to the time of U.S. entry and the developments that preceded U.S. involvement in the war.

One week later, on Monday, September 25 at 7 pm, Dennis Dittrich, Associate Professor of Illustration at New Jersey City University, will speak about propaganda posters from WWI, while award winning illustrator Victor Juhasz will share his experience of being embedded with warriors in training and on the front lines.

On Thursday, September 28 at 7 pm, the library will welcome veterans from Combat Paper and Frontline Arts. The veterans will share their artwork and writing, created on paper they have made from re-purposed military uniforms.

World War I and America is a two-year initiative of Library of America presented in partnership with The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, the National World War I Museum and Memorial, and other organizations, with generous support from The National Endowment for the Humanities.

Registration is not required for these September programs. For more information and to see the listings for future events, go to http://www.scotlib.org/2017/worldwarone, email library@scotlib.org, call (908) 322-5007 x 204 or stop by the Reference Desk. The Scotch Plains Library is located at 1927 Bartle Avenue, one block from Park Avenue in the center of town.