The aim of this paper is to investigate who the visitors are at a children's department at a main library in a larger municipality, and for what purpose they use it. We discuss: Is there a difference between various user groups, and if so, how do they differ'? Which library roles does the children's department have? Does the children's department serve as a local library for those who live in the immediate surroundings or as a main library for the whole municipality? The paper is based on a user survey performed in the spring of 1996 at the City Library of Gothenburg. 417 visitors and five staff members were interviewed. The children's department is used by various groups of people, from young children to senior citizens. The library roles are, among other things, an independent learning center and formal education support center. The children's department functions both as a local library and a main library.