The Book Women Graphic

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.

Lucie McGarity, Jojo Kepler, Justice Chenault, Victor Runge, Symone Summerall, Sydni Summerall, Evie Hassler, June Apple Hopkins, and Kismet the horse. Looking for Lilith Theatre Company's THE BOOK WOMEN by Rachel Bublitz. Directors: Jennifer Thalman Kepler, Sara GB Canary & Ebony Jordan. Photo by Holly Stone, on location at Faewood Equestrian.

"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
Saddle up & journey with the Book Women on 3 unique routes!

FREE!
Space is limited at each location.
Reservations are encouraged.

CLICK ON A DATE BELOW
to reserve your ticket.
Cultural Pass holders, please
scroll down for additional information.

Recommended for ages 6 & up

Route 3 – A Child’s Determination

Route 2 – Bridging Generations

Route 2 – Bridging Generations

Route 1: Breaking Stereotypes

Route 2 – Bridging Generations

Route 3 – A Child’s Determination

Route 3 – A Child’s Determination

Route 1: Breaking Stereotypes

Route 1: Breaking Stereotypes

ALL ROUTES - FULL SHOW!

Are you a Cultural Pass holder?
PLEASE have your Cultural Pass app or QR code ready to scan the day of the event. Although this event is free, LFL receives compensation for each scanned Cultural Pass.

CULTURAL PASS REGISTRATION
OPENS MAY 31st!

The new Cultural Pass app is your Digital Passport to Creativity! Cultural Pass offers young people ages 0-21 and their families in the Greater Louisville area access to over 50 arts and cultural activities FREE from May 31 – August 10, 2025. Download the Cultural Pass app beginning May 31st.

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,
Jojo Kepler,
Lucie McGarity,
Vic Runge

Director: Ebony Jordan*

DESIGN & PRODUCTION TEAM

Producer - Shannon Woolley Allison*
Production Director - Jennifer Thalman Kepler*
Full Production Stage Manager - Ellie Archer*
Route 1 Stage Manager - Finn Sparger**
Route 2 Stage Manager - Emily Vicars
Route 3 Stage Manager - Rachel Meadors
Tour Manager - Hannah Brooks*

Set Designer - Jill Marie Guelda*
Costume and Props Designer - Morgan M. Younge*
Sound Designer - Alex Biscardi

*LFL Company Member
**LFL 2025 Summer Intern

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.

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