Looking for Lilith Theatre Company
presents a series of community performances
The Book Women
by Rachel Bublitz
Saddle up and journey into the hills of Eastern Kentucky with THE BOOK WOMEN, an inspiring play by Rachel Bublitz, about the courageous Pack Horse Librarians of the 1930s. With a dedication equal to the US Postal Service, these remarkable young women braved rugged terrain on horseback to bring books—and hope—to remote Appalachian communities. They bring the promise that, if we support one another, tomorrow will be better.
This summer, Looking for Lilith takes THE BOOK WOMEN on the road with three unique routes, each offering a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of these pioneering librarians:
📖 Route 1 – Breaking Stereotypes: Book Woman Della Harlow leads a skeptical New York Times reporter through the mountains, challenging his assumptions about rural life and the strength of the women who serve rural communities.
📖 Route 2 – Bridging Generations: As Book Woman Josephine Jolly prepares to leave her route, reluctant trainee Sissy Mae discovers the profound impact of the traveling librarians—while witnessing firsthand the struggles of mountain families with little access to healthcare.
📖 Route 3 – A Child’s Determination: Book Woman Erma Frey finds herself followed by a persistent young reader, revealing the deep hunger for knowledge, and the harsh realities of poverty among the children of Eastern Kentucky.
Join us at your local libraries this summer for an unforgettable theatrical experience celebrating resilience, literacy, and the power of women’s stories.
"But I come to learn... It's not just food that feeds us. Sharin’ feeds us. Singin’ feeds us.
Readin’ books feeds us."
-Erma, THE BOOK WOMEN
HINDMAN, KY - GOODMAN-PAXTON PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION/KENTUCKY DIGITAL LIBRARY
FREE! Space is limited at each location.
Reservations encouraged (beginning June 1st).
Recommended for ages 6 & up
June 3 | 3:00pm | Fairdale
Route 3: A Child’s Determination
June 11 | 6:00pm | Newburg
Route 2: Bridging Generations
June 28 | 10:30am | Jeffersontown
Route 2: Bridging Generations
June 30 | 6:00pm | South Central Regional
Route 1: Breaking Stereotypes
July 20 | 2:00pm | Northeast Regional
Route 2: Bridging Generations
July 23 | 6:00pm | Newburg
Route 3: A Child’s Determination
July 26 | 2:00pm | Southwest Regional
Route 3: A Child’s Determination
July 28 | 6:30pm | Main
Route 1: Breaking Stereotypes
July 29 | 3:30pm | Highlands-Shelby Park
Route 1: Breaking Stereotypes
Aug 10 | 2:00pm | Main
FULL SHOW! ALL ROUTES
THE BOOK WOMEN ENSEMBLE
ROUTE 1
Sabrina Dudgeon, Evie Hassler, Grayson Lindblom, Drew Lloyd, Soleil Merwarth, Elsa Sorenson, Karole Spangler
Director: Jennifer Thalman Kepler
ROUTE 2
Shannon Woolley Allison, Dawn Campbell, June Apple Hopkins, Sydni Sumerall, Symone Sumerall
Director: Sara GB Canary
ROUTE 3
Meg Caudill, Justice Chenault,
Johanna “JoJo” Kepler, Lucie McGarity,
Vic Runge
Director: Ebony Jordan
DESIGN & PRODUCTION TEAM
Producer - Shannon Woolley Allison
Production Director - Jennifer Thalman Kepler
Tour Manager - Hannah Brooks
Stage Manager - Ellie Archer
Set Designer - Jill Marie Guelda
Costume and Prop Designer - Morgan Younge
Sound Designer - Alex Biscardi
Nan Milan on horseback, delivering books as part of the library program. c. late 1930s.
Pine Mountain Settlement School Archives.
Coal miner, his wife, and two of their children. 1938. Marion Post Wolcott/Farm Security Administration-Office of War Information, Photograph Collection, Library of Congress.
Hindman, Knott County, KY. WPA Packhorse Librarians make regular calls at mountain schools where children are furnished with books for themselves and books to read to illiterate parents and elders. January 1938. WPA Information Division Photographic Index.
Ruth Shuler (PMSS student, bookkeeper, teacher, 1937-44), with two children, sharing traveling library delivery in the community. Pine Mountain Settlement School Archives.
