As a former bookmobile Librarian and equestrian, I must announce that I am beyond excited for the upcoming Borderless Arts Tennessee project to honor the Pack Horse Library Project of Appalachia.
We began this project Aug. 7 with the viewing of a documentary that was shared with us by our friends from KET – Kentucky Educational Television about the Pack Horse Program. Then I read from Kim Michele Richardson‘s Children’s book to the participants. Each participant received an autographed copy of this book. We made a small craft.
The group had a delicious potluck dinner followed by a Zoom session with Kim Michele Richardson.
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The group is making a Little Library that will be placed in Westmoreland and unveiled in November.
In September, they will work with author/poet Jason Tomlinson to create poetry books dedicated to the Pack Horse Librarians. They will also make scrapbooks. The books they make will be placed in the Little Library.
Special thanks to Frazier History Museum for their guidance and connections. Thanks to Darlene Bearden and Project 22 who are partnering with us on this program. Thanks to Cross Roads Church Westmoreland who has provided a space for the Little Library and is assisting with this project. Also, thanks to Trinity Lutheran Church – Gallatin TN and First Baptist Church Hendersonville for the use of space for activities with this project.
A final note of thanks to Mark and Niki Antonini and an ABC Grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission for their support.
We are saddling up for an amazing ride into the history of these brave and selfless librarians.
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