Libraries, Immigrants, and the American Experience

From 1876 to 1924—a period of free immigration—the mission of the American public library in its work with immigrants was to Americanize the immigrants by teaching them English and preparing them for citizenship. From 1924 to 1948—a period of restricted immigration—the mission of the American public library in its work with immigrants was to educate the adult immigrant and to internationalize the American community. Together, the public library and the immigrant community have shaped and pe...