Logically laid out, this book first provides the reader with chapters describing the political and social atmospheres of the time periods of free and restricted immigration. Jones then smoothly transitions into biographical chapters that describe the illustrious careers of librarians Jane Maud Campbell, John Foster Carr, Eleanor (Edwards)Ledbetter, and Edna Phillips. Within these biographies we learn not only of the service philosophies of these librarians but also of the challenges that propelled them to create innovative immigrant programs that have influenced and expanded the services that public libraries provide to ethnic communities today. Throughout this book one can also learn more about the role of the American Library Association in the Americanization and assimilation of immigrants.

Written in a style that serves the needs of those interested in historical information, this book can at times be a challenge in that the author extends the list of details almost to the breaking point. Nevertheless, it is in seeing those detailed lists of public libraries that developed immigrant programs that the true reflections of the magnitude of immigration in American libraries is exhibited. Black and white historical photography dot the landscape of this book, making for a visually pleasing accompaniment to the text. Readers will also be delighted by the selected bibliography that provides ready access to historical information.

Although the tapestry of America's immigrant population has changed since the time of Jane Maud Campbell, John Foster Carr, Eleanor(Edwards)Ledbetter, and Edna Phillips the basic service issues that challenged these librarians are timeless. Public librarians and managers can look to this book as a generator for ideas and for the courage needed to develop innovative programs. I found this book enlightening and would recommend it to any librarian concerned with better serving the information needs of their multicultural communities.