Fanwood Library Earns Top U.S. Grant

This summer, the Fanwood Memorial Library became one of only 30 U.S. libraries to receive the "Picturing America" grant. Starting next week, the library will begin to display some of the most iconic images in American history and culture, host a book discussion series on five of the most influential works in American literature, and host a jazz-era lawn party to celebrate the series.

The library will open the series Sept. 11, displaying 40 laminated prints received from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Library Association, which awarded the grant to Fanwood.

The prints include images of iconic American paintings, photography and crafts, such as Emanuel Leutze's 1851 painting of "Washington Crossing the Delaware," N. C. Wyeth's 1919 cover illustration for James Fenimore Cooper's novel, "The Last of the Mohicans," and Alexander Gardner's 1865 photo of Abraham Lincoln.

"The overarching theme is of America as the land of opportunity and a sort of coming to America," library director Dan Weiss said in a telephone interview.

The exhibit also includes photographs of iconic American constructions, such as Frank Lloyd Wright's "Fallingwater," 1935-1939, built on a waterfall and remarkable for its use of the natural environment, and William Van Alen's art deco Chrysler building, 1926-1930.

"The posters say a lot about our shared heritage, especially as we pass by another Sept. 11 anniversary and Thanksgiving," Weiss said. "I think it will give people something to think about."

Weiss said his favorite is a print of Thomas Hart Benton's "The Source of Country Music," 1975. He said the painting appeals to him because of its early American style, and the fact that he plays country and bluegrass music himself. Other major artists in the exhibit include Jacob Lawrence, Winslow Homer, Edward Hopper and John James Audubon.

The National Endowment for Humanities helps fund the Picturing America series to teach students and residents about American culture and history through art, according to the series Web site. The Fanwood Memorial Library was one of 3,600 libraries and 56,000 sites to receive the Picturing America posters.

The grant also funds a five-part book series that builds on the Picturing America theme. The book series opens Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. with E.L. Doctorow's acclaimed novel, "Ragtime," followed by "All the King's Men," "Seabiscuit," "Pale Horse, Pale Rider" and "Dreaming in Cuban." The books are available at the library, and registration for the discussion series is free and open to the public. A movie screening will also accompany each work.

Perhaps the program's greatest highlight will be the jazz-age concert taking place on the library lawn Sept. 26. A live band will play ragtime, Dixieland and early jazz hits. Three Fanwood residents who immigrated to the United States will also speak about their experiences entering the country.

Picturing America and associated programming will continue through January 2011. For more information, visit www.fanwoodlibrary.org.