Caroline Hewins: Opening the world of libraries to children

Although the value of children reading is commonly understood today, before the late 1800's, libraries did not cater to children. Caroline Hewins broke the barriers of the public library system (previously dominated by adults who could pay membership fees) by creating children's rooms in the Hartford Public Library, by founding clubs and programs to encourage reading and learning, and by filling the children's section with appropriate, educational, and entertaining books for children from many cultures to enjoy. Her work became a model for other libraries across the nation.