ABSTRACT
The public library is a primary source of reading materials for children. Whether municipal or school-based, libraries can significantly impact French children’s socialization, not only by promoting reading and literacy for future adult citizens but also through their collections of reading material that contain and promote cultural norms. Scholar and librarian Viviane Ezratty describes the primary mission of a children’s library as a cognitive and cultural portal: “To open children and young people to the world, to awaken their curiosity, to stimulate their desire to read, to promote quality children’s literature.” 1 According to a Ministry of Culture 2018 report, 40% of all French library loans are children’s books, 2 making children’s libraries vibrant spaces of socialization.
