Caroline Hewins: Opening the world of libraries to children
(Hartford Public Library Children's Room, Chairvolotti 2020)
Caroline Hewins' Legacy - Her Work Lives On
Caroline Hewins' work impacts libraries to this day. In almost every library, there is a children's section. Her legacy hasn't stopped there. Librarians continue to make new programs for children, encouraging their love of reading. Some of the programs she started at the Hartford Public Library have continued, even after her death in 1926.
A scholarship was developed in Miss Hewins' name in remembrance of her work. It is given annually to a graduate student studying library science, especially children's services.
One of Miss Hewins' programs was a doll reception on New Years Day. This picture is taken several years after she passed away as the tradition continued. (Hartford History Center, Hartford Public Library, Hartford CT)
The Hartford Public Library Children's room has a program where they encourage kids to read 1000 books before kindergarten, and they track their progress. (Chairvolotti 2020)
If you've ever been to a children's library, you have seen the effect of Caroline Hewins' work. She broke the barriers in the public library system that excluded children. She decided to do what others had not done before. She broke down the barriers, and let children into the library.