Our Story
For nearly a century, Junior Library Guild has helped libraries put extraordinary books into young readers’ hands. We began in 1929 as the Junior Literary Guild, a children’s companion to an adult book club. In those early days, young members received books at home, wore Guild pins, and followed along with our magazine, Young Wings.
By the 1950s, our focus shifted to schools and public libraries. In 1988, we officially became Junior Library Guild—but our promise remained the same: to choose books that spark joy and inspire lifelong reading.
We’ve been honored to count Eleanor Roosevelt among our earliest champions. As a member of the editorial board, she read and celebrated Guild selections in her My Day columns, sharing our belief that the right book at the right time can open a lifetime of possibilities.
“Mrs. Tibbets must be very proud of what she has accomplished in the choice of books made by the Junior Literary Guild.” – Eleanor Rosevelt, 1939
From a handful of reading groups in 1929 to nearly 80 categories today, JLG has always stood for trusted curation and joyful discovery. As we approach our 100th anniversary, we continue to celebrate the authors, librarians, educators, and readers who make this mission possible.
