Which expectations did leading debaters place on fiction as an instrument in achieving societal changes hoped for by introducing the Public library? How can the value of fiction be described in relation to the mission of the Public library, according to these moulders of public opinion? Place and timeframe for this thesis is Sweden around the years 1905-1912 (period of formation of the Public library here according to the Anglo-American model). Starting point is the assumption that the Public library as a political institution is characterized by an ideological function. It produces meaning and norms, it sets standards of value. Method used is based on close reading and comparison. Comparison is being made between different texts published by leading debaters during the period expressing views on reading fiction. Comparison is also being made between reasons for creating the Public library as described by earlier research and the above mentioned views on potential effects of reading fiction. Finally, comparison is being made between research on the historical period in question and the texts generated during it in an attempt to minimize time- and culture barriers. The result can be described as evolving around two (then) acknowledged truths: a strong belief in the power of art (fiction), and an equally strong conviction in the possibility to change human beings through the use of it. During a time when democracy was being introduced as a means of government different interests tried to take control of development and secure power. Both the working classes, in their struggle for power, and the bourgeoisie, in their struggle to maintain control, saw how the Public library could work in their benefit. Socialists, liberals and conservatives very much agreed that the main part of the people, the most powerful group of voters, needed to alter for the democratic process to be a success. In addition, several of the same debaters held the conviction that the whole people (not just the underprivileged) needed to be lifted up higher . They also agreed that this could be achieved if they were given the opportunity to experience (the right kind of) art (including fiction). Wished for effects coming from augmented reading of fiction were for example high moral, spiritual satisfaction (satisfying human need for pleasure in a salutary way) and recreation (an aspect mainly valued by liberal/conservative debaters). It is also possible to see this process as par...
