In my research, I chose to study children and their interactions with public libraries during the early to mid 1900’s in the United States. Libraries played an important role in the entire community, providing accessible resources and a physical place for people to gather. For children, their independence was explored in the library, as they were free to choose their own books with topics they were interested in. However, librarians had great influence over the children, often recommending books of “value” and helping direct children in their reading. Children of immigrants and African American children were also exposed to new information and cultural ideas through the library and the books on the shelves. In the library, children were able to enjoy reading as a pastime, while still learning a great deal.