Louisa May Alcott: The Woman Behind Little Women - Library Outreach Programs

FAIN: LA-50060-11

Consolidated Public Library No. 3 (Independence, MO 64050-2057)
Marlena Boggs (Project Director: August 2010 to April 2022)

To support public humanities programs in libraries that explore Louisa May Alcott's untraditional life, her varied body of published work, and her place in American culture.

Mid-Continent Public Library system covers three counties and has 30 branches, serving a population of over 600,000 in western Missouri. The library has a strong commitment and focus towards humanities-oriented programs with over 5000 programs done each year. The Louisa May Alcott program series will bring a new appreciation of the author and build a new audience for her books. Programs include the exploration of Louisa May Alcott's Civil War experiences, the impact on Transcendentalism on entities such as Unity Village (headquartered in the library's service area), book and film discussion groups, and her impact on the issue of women's rights, in particular, as well as other social reforms. The library system recently purchased Woodneath Property, a 19th century home on the National Register of Historic Places. It is ideal for the large special event focused on re-creating 19th century time period. The Missouri Humanities Council and other partnerships will assist with this event.