As World War I rages in 1918, Jessie Carson takes a leave of absence from her New York Public Library (NYPL) job, where she feels undervalued and underutilized. She chooses to leave her quiet, predictable life in New York City to travel to France as a member of the Committee for Devastated France, known in France as Le Comité américain pour les régions dévastés (CARD).

In 1987, Wendy Peterson works at the NYPL as an archivist, taking pictures of historical documents. In the evenings, she attends writing workshops with the hope of becoming a published author. Wendy finds herself working on a box of CARD documents. She discovers an article on NYPL librarian Jessie Carson’s arrival in Blérancourt, the location of CARD headquarters only, 40 miles from the front.

Based on actual historical events and people, “Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade” tells of the significant efforts of millionaire Anne Morgan, daughter of railroad and steel mogul J.P. Morgan, and the “Cards,” women from the United States, Canada, and Great Britain.

Their work was instrumental in rebuilding France from 1917 to 1924, handing out farm animals and household goods, providing seeds, planting fruit trees, rebuilding buildings and infrastructure, and doing what they could for the communities directly impacted by the war.

While many of us cannot imagine a library without a children’s area and books, most libraries of 1918 did not offer materials or programs for children, librarians were usually male, and libraries were often only accessible to library staff or specific groups of people, such as scholars or the wealthy.

In war-torn France, Jessie must deal with a destroyed library, devastated villages, suspicious villagers, those who do not value what she has to offer, and the constant threat of the battles at the front coming closer as she works to open a library for children.

Wendy’s initial curiosity and drive for a story evolve into a deep connection as she unravels the mystery of Jessie’s life. What did Jessie do in France? Did she build libraries? Did she return to the United States? To NYPL? Wendy’s search for answers inspires her as she gains a greater understanding of Jessie’s experiences and works toward her own goal of writing a novel.

“Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade” is an inspiring tribute to the courage and resilience of Anne Morgan, members of CARD, Jessie Carson, and the French people during a time of war and uncertainty.

This book can be found at several branches of the Lincoln County Library System and as an eBook or audiobook in the Libby app.