Green’s Dictionary of Slang

any form of printed material; also attrib.

1895		Daily News 20 Nov. 5/2: In canvassing, in posters, and in the distribution of what, by a profane perversion of language, is called ‘literature’ .
1901		‘Hugh McHugh’ Down the Line 67: ‘Any mail,’ inquired Willie [...] ‘No literature for you,’ Steve answered.
1972		B. Rodgers Queens’ Vernacular 127: literature gallery dirty book store.