The Library History Buff

Promoting the appreciation, enjoyment, and preservation of library history

The American Library Association & World War I

The American Library Association played an active role in providing library service to the soldiers and sailors who served in World War I.  Much of this service was documented on picture postcards and posters produced by ALA to publicize their Library War Service. 

Postcards of ALA Library War Service camp libraries

Postcards of ALA Library War Service to military hospitals

Postcards of ALA Library War Service to the merchant marine

Sergio Lugo has written a well researched, well illustrated publication on the American Library Association and WW1 entitled Your Uniform is Your Pass, Soldier and Sailor Welfare Relief and the American Doughboy in World War I: The American Library Association. The Second Edition was published in 2005 and is available post paid for $18.00.  Send checks to Sergio Lugo, 1190 S. Grape, Denver, CO 80246. This is the first publication of a series that Lugo has written or intends to write on the 11 World War 1 welfare relief organizations.

The most authoritative history of the American Library Association and WWI is Arthur P. Young's Books for Sammies published by Beta Phi Mu in 1981. It is commonly available through the online used book market.

One of several different bookplates placed in the books of ALA Library War Service libraries.

Postcard extending Christmas greetings from the American Expeditionary Forces in Siberia in World War I and the Library War Service of the American Library Association.

This envelope was mailed on May 20, 1919 by Lena N. Appleby an Assistant or Agent at the San Antonio Dispatch Office of the Mexican Border Traveling Service of the American Library Association.

This envelope was mailed from Coblenz, Germany on November 25, 1919.  The free frank designation "Army Mail" is used.  American Library Association "corner cards" mailed from Europe are scarce.

I have published numerous posts on The Library History Buff Blog about the ALA Library War Service. Click HERE to see them.

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Last updated: 6-21-14   © 2005-2014 Larry T. Nix
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