Libraries in American German prisoner of war camps during World War II

This thesis addresses the topic of libraries in American prisoner of war camps for German soldiers during World War II. It examines the role of the prison library in the prisoners' lives, as well as the camp libraries' use for recreational and re-educational purposes. The overall treatment of the prisoners and how this treatment affected their use of the camp libraries is explored. Research in the subject of libraries for German prisoners of war in America is nonexistent. Research on the treatment of the German prisoners reveals that they were treated so well that many wanted to become American citizens afterwards. Research on other prisoner of war camps reveals that prisoners used the libraries to gain a sense of hope and to escape the reality of their prisoner status.