Herblock exhibit now on display in Tekoa

The Herblock Traveling exhibit is now on display at the Tekoa Library. This exhibit features the School Bell panel displaying reproductions of the work of legendary Washington Post editorial cartoonist Herbert L. Block, famously known as “Herblock.” Produced by The Herb Block Foundation and crafted by Curator Harry Katz, the exhibit presents Herblock’s effort to defend the rights and freedoms of Americans through his political cartoons.

Born on Oct. 13, 1909, Herb Block, a native Chicagoan, spent his 72-year career fighting against abuses of the powerful.

He began his editorial cartooning career at the Chicago Daily News and NEA Service before landing at The Washington Post in 1946.

He wrote a dozen books chronicling the history of America.

The U.S. Postal Service commissioned him to design the image for the stamp commemorating the 175th anniversary of the United States Bill of Rights.

He received three Pulitzer Prizes and shared a fourth with The Washington Post for his cartoons.

He was the recipient of innumerable awards and honorary degrees, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award the government can give.

Herb Block was known as a gentle, self-effacing man with a steely resolve to use his work to bring injustices to light.

The exhibit can be seen during regular library hours which are Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 1:30 to 6 p.m., and Thursdays from 12 to 6 p.m. Illustrated brochures accompany the exhibit and are available at the library. For more information, visit the library’s Events Calendar at http://www.whitco.lib.wa.us or call the Tekoa Library at (509) 284-3121.