Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives

06/12/2026

Congratulations to the graduates of the LEAD From Where You Are Advanced Leadership Course!

These dedicated individuals completed up to 18 hours of intensive leadership training, gaining valuable skills and strategies to strengthen their libraries and better serve their communities. We look forward to seeing the positive impact they will continue to make across Kentucky and beyond.

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through a Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Grant.

Please join us in honoring the following participants:

Alicia Edwards — Edmonson County Public Library
Amanda Hayes — Todd County Public Library
Amie Baltes — Rowntree (Medical Library)
Angela Bratcher — Grayson County Public Library
Brittany Stonerock Dunn — Marion County Public Library
Casey Farmer — Crittenden County Public Library
Chantelle Bentley Phillips — Campbell County Public Library
Deidra Tosh — Marshall County Public Library
Delilah Gibbins — Woodford County Library
Diane Dehoney — Paul Sawyier Public Library
Evelyn Hudson — Hazard Community & Technical College
Glennese Patterson — Henderson County Public Library
Holly Howard — Bath County Memorial Library
Jamie Helle — Lincoln County Public Library
Jennifer Gooch — Campbell County Public Library
Jessica Perry — Paris-Bourbon County Public Library
Justin Brasher — McCracken County Public Library
Krista VanHoose — Johnson County Public Library
Leslie Randall Kidd — Pulaski County Public Library
Lora Short — Lee County Public Library, Beattyville, KY
Matt Hampton — Wolfe County Public Library
Miriah Eden — Cynthiana Harrison County Public Library
Morgan Lockard-Ellis — Campbell County Public Library
Nicole Wright — Louisville Free Public Library
Olivia Anderson — Wayne County Public Library
Rhonda Kendziorski — McCreary County Public Library
Sam Morris — Marion County Public Library
Shellie Shields — Mason County Public Library
Tabitha Tinsley — Crittenden County Public Library
Tiffany Reynolds — Estill County Public Library
Valerie Davis — Campbell County Public Library

05/22/2026

The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA) is honored to be featured in the Spring 2026 issue of Oxford American. 📣

The article “Librarians on Horseback” by Kirsten Chervenak tells the story of Kentucky’s Pack Horse Librarians, a Works Progress Administration (WPA) program from the 1930s and 1940s, in which women traveled by horseback and mule through Eastern Kentucky to deliver books, recipes, and information to people in remote Appalachian communities.

Inspired by materials preserved by KDLA’s Archives and Records Management Division, the author shares a meaningful story about community and connection through archival photographs, recipes, and surviving scrapbooks.

Chervenak’s piece beautifully demonstrates KDLA’s mission to preserve and share important local history. We are thrilled that the stories of the Pack Horse Librarians continue to inspire new audiences and help people build new connections!

Here’s how you can stay connected to this story:
You can pick up a copy of Oxford American, Issue 132, at select local bookstores. The article is also available on the magazine’s official website and in the link below.

If you’re interested in exploring materials and photographs from the Pack Horse Librarians project featured in this story, you can visit our archives in person or view selected materials on the Kentucky State Digital Archives.

Thank you, Oxford American!

Kirsten Chervenak follows the foot (and hoof) prints left by the Pack Horse Librarians of 1930s eastern Kentucky by exploring their archived scrapbooks.

05/19/2026

Smithsonian Exhibit Comes to Kentucky Libraries! 📣

The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives is proud to celebrate the Woodford County Public Library for being selected as one of only seven libraries in Kentucky to host the Smithsonian traveling exhibit “Americans.”

The exhibit invites visitors to explore how American Indian images, stories, and histories have shaped American culture and will be on display April 18–May 23.

Through partnerships with Kentucky Humanities and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, exhibits like Americans can travel to communities across the Commonwealth.

Be sure to visit and share your experience with us!

📍 Versailles, Kentucky | Woodford County Public Library

LibrariesTransform KentuckyCommunities KentuckyTransportationCabinent KentuckyHumanities

05/04/2026

Another fun April event at KDLA 🎉

Bring Your Kid to Work Day was a hit! We loved welcoming students for a day full of creativity, learning, and behind-the-scenes experiences.

Our day was packed with fun:
✨ A guided tour of the State Library
✨ A special preview of Kentucky Women Remembered (KWR) portraits (display coming soon to KDLA)
✨ A live bookmaking demonstration, complete with hands-on crafts
✨ Watercolor activities where students painted someone who inspires them—just like the KWR portraits
✨ A chance to record the books they created in our Kentucky Talking Book (KTBL) studio

We can’t wait to welcome our young creators back next year! 💙📚

05/01/2026

We had a fantastic time on Friday, April 24th celebrating our 3rd Annual Spring into Reading event at Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives! 📚✨

This special day brought together students from local schools to show that literacy can be exciting—while also highlighting upcoming summer reading programs across the Commonwealth.

A huge thank you to our guests, including musical performer Zak Morgan, author Lindsey Bonilla of The Storyteller, all of our wonderful exhibitors, and of course, Smokey Bear for making the day unforgettable.

We’re already looking forward to next year! 🎉

04/23/2026

Welcome to National Library Week! 📚🎉

(NLW) is a nationwide celebration that highlights:
- The value of libraries in communities.
- The role of librarians and staff.
- The importance of access to information, education, and opportunity.

Libraries across Kentucky are essential community resources that support workforce development, education, and access to information. NLW is led nationally by the American Library Association (ALA), but real celebration comes from state-level impact and small communities.

Stay tuned all week as we highlight how Kentucky libraries are making a difference—and be sure to visit your local library today! 📣

04/23/2026

Local Library Spotlight: Shelby County Public Library

During National Library Week, we’re celebrating the role libraries play in helping Kentuckians write their next chapter, whether that’s finding a job, learning something new, or connecting with their community.

Today, we’re highlighting and the important role it plays in serving its community.

Libraries are here to support you wherever you are in your journey! Come visit SCPL and see this beautiful statue in their garden as you check out a book.

04/23/2026

National library Outreach Day! A day to celebrate library outreach and the dedicated library professionals who are meeting their patrons where they are.

Discover your library joy:
– Stop by your library and bring someone with you
– Help a friend sign up for a library card
– Try something new: a book, program, class, or event

From storytimes to author talks and job support resources, libraries are places where curiosity and connection come to life. We’re grateful for all the ways libraries bring joy to our communities.

What library resources bring you library joy?

04/22/2026

Happy National Library Week!

09/21/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19o6gewLS9/?mibextid=wwXIfr

The Kentucky Talking Book Library is looking for a Librarian!

This position will provide service to our youth patrons, age 0-18, preschools and K-12 schools. It will also offer readers advisory, manage patrons accounts, provide virtual and in-person programming and conduct outreach. A Master’s in Library Science is required.

The deadline to apply for this position is September 23, 2025.

The schedule is 8:00 to 4:30, Monday-Friday, with potential for 1 work from home day per week.

The Kentucky Talking Book Library is in Frankfort and is a branch of the Department for Libraries and Archives.

Apply here: https://kypersonnelcabinet.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?id=73116&site=48