The simple joy of reading is dynamically depicted in “Library, 1969” by Jacob Lawrence. Using a vivid, fragmented style, Lawrence (1917 – 2000) documented African-American life and struggles. When the artist was in high school, black culture was absent from the curriculum, so he taught himself by visiting libraries and museums. He researched many of his paintings by reading novels and historical books, and it is believed that the standing figure at the front of the piece is a self-portrait. This lively image of a reading room may depict Harlem’s 135th Street Library, where the country’s first notable collection of African-American literature, history and prints opened in 1925.

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