Morrison Public Library has a new attraction with the opening of the “Reading Appalachia: Voice from Children’s Literature.” The exhibit is now open and runs through April 1.
Library director Bonnie Davis says the exhibit is a must-see for all ages.
“This exhibit is not just for children. It’s fun for grownups, too,” said Davis. “Everyone would love this exhibit -- parents with their children, schools on field trips, adults without children, and senior citizens. This is definitely not just for children. You would have to see it to understand how wonderful it is.”
The groundbreaking exhibition of Appalachian children’s literature explores books published since the late 1800s. Based on research by Jamie Osborn, manager of the Knox County Public Library, Reading Appalachia aims to show a more complete picture of the region’s literary heritage and how this literature tells the story of childhood in Appalachia. 
Sporting life-size characters from some of the books, the exhibit is designed to create the sensation of walking through the pages of a storybook. Children can stand eye-to-eye with characters from “Journey Cake Ho,” “A Mountain Rose,” “When Otter Tricked the Rabbit,” “When I Was Young,” and others.  Books are available to touch, read, and explore.
The exhibit includes hands-on activities that bring the subject to life for kids of all ages. Children are encouraged to try on masks of storybook characters and find themselves in a story. They are also invited to create their own story of childhood set in Appalachia. 
Davis encourages parents to stay with their children due to the interactive nature of the exhibit.
“This is not for parents who want to drop their children off and leave them,” she said. “Like I said, adults are going to enjoy this, too. Parents will have fun sharing this time with their children.”
Attendees can view original films and hear the voice of old-time storyteller Ray Hicks, along with some of their favorite authors and illustrators. Each panel includes an interpretation of the text from a child’s perspective.
The exhibit is designed to travel to other libraries and locations around the region. Reading Appalachia: Voices from Children’s Literature is made possible through the generous support of the Jane L. Pettway Foundation, Friends of the Knox County Public Library, and Clayton Homes. 
Why Appalachian children’s books? Davis says they capture the imagination.
“They help define us,” she said. “Perhaps more than any other region, Appalachia has captured the nation’s imagination. It is a land where the blue smoke of the mountains, the self-sufficiency of life in a holler, and the singsong of an enthralling storyteller come together in a near mythic culture.”
The exhibit will be leaving Warren County on April 1.
“We were lucky enough to be the first stop for this exhibit,” said Davis. “It’s going to be moving from place to place. I don’t know where it’s going from here. I’m not privy to that information. However, this could be the best chance to see it. The exhibit might not be this close to us again. I hope everyone comes out and enjoys it while it’s here.”
Morrison Public Library is located at 138 West Maple Street. Regular hours are Monday through Friday from 1-5 p.m. On the first and third Saturdays of the month, the library is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Arrangements can be made for group tours during times when the library is normally closed.
For more information, call 635-2060 or visit the website at morrisonlibrary@blomand.net.