This master’s thesis aims to examine the role of the public library concerning children’s language development, in Sweden. In doing so, this study investigates the public library’s language development potential.

The theoretical standpoint used in this thesis, develops Andreas Vårheim’s concept of positive social capital and Ragnar Audunson’s position of the library as a low-intensive meeting place. These two approaches propose that the library, as a diverse, open meeting place, generates positive social capital through activities and outreach programmes in relation to language development. 

A qualitative interview study was utilised with librarians who work in public libraries, using semi-structured interviews for data collection. This study focuses upon finding meaning in context and results were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

The results indicate that librarians are mediators for the institution of the library, supporting and aiding caregivers in their role as language mediators. Language development projects, resources and activities function as a support network built on collaboration and this empowers librarians in their role. Focus upon first languages is inherent tolanguage development, and librarians enable diversity and language preservation through adopting this stance. These elements are centredupon the social relationship between librarian and caregiver.