Harry Hartman, Bookseller, Photograph Collection, approximately 1942-1945

Harry Hartman's book store (called Harry Hartman, Bookseller) was located on University Way N.E., across the street from the current location of University Book Store. Harry Hartman was a well-known and dedicated Seattle bookseller. He was the originator of the Young Reader's Choice Award (YRCA), currently sponsored by the Pacific Northwest Library Association (PNLA). The YRCA is the oldest children's choice award in the United States and Canada, and the only the regional award that is actually chosen by children of two countries. In 1938, Hartman wrote to the PNLA, "For quite a number of years we have wished that each year some recognition would be given to a book for children which your readers endorse as being an excellent story. The reading habit is best developed through reading those books which are most entertaining and instructive from the young person's point of view." Edward B. Thomas, who was a Seattle museum administrator and educator affiliated with the Seattle Art Museum, the Cornish Institute, and Western Washington University, collected the photographs. Mr. Thomas wrote for The Lantern , the book store newsletter, from 1940-1948.