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The Change the Subject Project at NYPL, BPL, and BookOps: Activism in the Library: Poster Making

The Library as a Social Actor

Libraries are spaces where communities gather and freely exchange ideas with one another. The New York Public Library's Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture features a collection of posters, rich with vibrant acts of protest and solidarity. In this activity, students may utilize their story of self to craft a poster representing their own chosen cause. 

Instructional Objectives

  • Profile the library's role in social activism
  • Celebrate activist-librarians 

  • Create posters based on cause from story of self 

Poster Making

1. Allow students to do a brief reflection on their story of self and identify a cause that aligns with their values. Utilize examples of celebrated activists, including those listed in the Librarian Change Makers list. 

2. Display the Schomburg Center poster collection and explain the significance of the Schomburg Center as a safe space for community organizing. Allow students to note the important features of a poster: 

  • Title 
  • Clear message that enables audiences to understand what your cause is 
  • Picture design
  • Suggestion for action 

3. Allow students to display their work, ideally in a whole school setting to celebrate and validate student activism 

 

Reflections

  • Could your poster be exhibited in your school, or is there an opportunity to use them in a public space outside your school to advocate for your cause? 

  • How might you use your posters to spark discussion or dialogue with others?

Librarians are Change Makers!

Librarians are often agents of social activism. Here are a few notable change makers: 

Schomburg Center Poster Collection