(Hartford Public Library Children's Room, Chaivolotti 2020)
Ever since she was a child, Caroline Hewins wanted to travel, inspired by the books she read when she was young. As an adult, she was able to make these dreams come true, and she shared her adventures with the children of Hartford, Connecticut.
(Comprehensive Atlas of the World, 2018).
A Traveler's Letters to Boys and Girls, 1923 (Photo by A. Chairvolotti, Hartford History Center, Hartford Public Library, Hartford CT).
When Caroline traveled abroad, she wrote letters to the children of Hartford. They were published in the newspaper and made into a book, A Traveler's Letters to Boys and Girls. She wrote about the places she went and recommended books they could read that talk about the places she visited.
Miss Hewins brought back good literature from other countries, so the children could be exposed to other countries through books.
Children's books in foreign languages, housed at the Hartford History Center, Hartford Public Library. (Chairvolotti, 2020)
Foreign Language books at the Hartford History Center, Hartford Public Library, Hartford CT. Photos by A. Chairvolotti
Caroline also collected books in other languages. She wanted immigrant children to be able to read in their native language; she also wanted immigrant parents to be able to read to their children.
Please play the video below for more details.
Interview about Caroline Hewins with Maureen Heher, Historical Research Specialist, Hartford History Center, Hartford Public Library, Hartford, CT..
While many libraries got rid of their books in German or about Germany during the Great War, Caroline kept those books in the library. Even though they were at war with Germany, the country and its heritage still existed.
"Dear Boys and Girls: It’s no use trying to get away from you and the books! I can’t do it, for everywhere I go there is something to make me think of them and of you."
~ Caroline Hewins, A Traveler's Letters to Boys and Girls