Madison County Library churns out Appalachian culture programming series

Jan. 14—Sierra Marling

All across the mountains and foothills, there are efforts being made to reclaim and publicize Appalachian culture. In their own efforts, Madison County Library is hosting a monthly adult programming series based on the Foxfire books— a collection of books touted as being an important literary piece of southern Appalachian culture.

"The whole series is collected knowledge of Appalachian living," explained Katlyn Ramsey, who serves the library as the adult services coordinator. "These books are considered classics. There are twelve books, and each one focuses on a bunch of different aspects of Appalachian living, so each class will focus on a few things from each book."

On Jan. 8, both branches held their first event of the series, where library employees led a butter-making exercise.

Participants were first a small jar and whipping cream, then they shook their jars while discussing Appalachian weather signs, including the width of a wooly worm's stripes for a bad winter and how flipped leaves mean incoming rain.

It was at the end of this discussion that participants were seeing real progress with their butter. What had begun as half a jar of whipping cream had begun to curdle into a creamier substance. Some had even formed their own butter balls surrounded by butter milk.

Once those balls had formed, patrons were instructed to separate their butter and buttermilk. Some noted they would also be taking the buttermilk home for pancakes.

Library staff passed around recipes from the first Foxfire book, such as fried pumpkin or squash blossoms and corn pones, while also discussing the importance of astrology for old-fashioned Appalachian planting.

Library Assistant Rachel Hampton led the workshop at the Berea library.

During the event, she expressed that she grew up in Appalachia and found it important to preserve the region's culture, a sentiment she says is shared by the library as a whole.

"The library cares a lot about Kentucky and the residents of Madison County, and Appalachian culture is something that is very prevalent here— especially in Berea," she explained. "The library wants to get to those common roots and respect those roots — kind of bringing them back into our everyday while promoting literacy and showing people where we came from and where we're at now."

She shared that future programming would have different focuses and crafts.

The next event— which is set for Feb. 12 at both locations— will bring participants together to discuss spring wild plant foods, share some Appalachian spook tales, and make laundry detergent.

Those interested should regularly check the library's calendar for updates and new programs. The calendar shows events in both Richmond and Berea and allows for easy online registration.