Reading Local: Rural Public Librarians in Kentucky documents the work and expressive culture of rural librarians in Kentucky (primarily in Appalachian counties). The project, which was directed by Berea College Folklorist Emily Hilliard, with research assistance from Berea student Sreekuttan Palakkadan Subash in Summer 2024, focuses on the role rural librarians serve as community resources, as well as how their workplaces—rural public libraries—are invaluable community hubs in remote rural areas. This collection includes recorded audio interviews and interview transcripts of 18 Kentucky rural librarians, and 158 related photos taken at 18 different libraries.
This project was supported by Berea College’s Undergraduate Research and Creative Projects program.
Adair County Public Library
Crittenden County Public Library
Jackson County Public Library
Livingston County Public Library
Nicholas County Public Library
Middlesboro-Bell County Public Library
Garrard County Bookmobile
John L. Street Library (Trigg County)
Pam Metts
