1890

The first children’s room in a library is established. The public Library of Brookline (Mass.) set aside an unused room in its basement for a children's reading-room.

"One of its most momentous legacies is the establishment of a separate reading room exclusively for children in April 1890. The Brookline model was influential in sparking the expansion of library services to children across the country. In 1899, a reference room for children was established with its own librarian." Read more from the history of the Public Library of Brookline.