ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the gendered governance of knowledge in the aftermath of World War II. It focuses on the case of Stella Peppa-Xephlouda, a Greek female librarian who played a pivotal role in establishing the first modern public lending library in Greece in 1948. More important, Peppa-Xephlouda was the one who implemented UNESCO’s Mobile Library program in Greece in 1960. Having her case as our starting point, this study explores how international organizations such as UNESCO provided opportunities for women’s education and facilitated their ascension to leadership positions in their countries. This chapter argues that these efforts aimed to challenge the prevailing gender dynamics in knowledge-based domains, particularly in fields traditionally associated with women. Furthermore, this chapter sheds light on the perception of public libraries, including mobile libraries, as platforms for Cold War propaganda in Greece. The aim is to highlight their significance in promoting pro-American policies and reinforcing a Greek cultural identity.
