Did You Know That Kentucky Women Used to Deliver Library Books on Horseback?

I read a book recently called "The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek." Following the journey of a 19-year-old woman named Cussy Carter who joins a team of librarians that travel through Kentucky on horseback delivering books to people. Much to my surprise, this book is actually based on a true story!

The Original Horse-Riding Librarian

The idea for the Pack Horse Library came from a woman named May Stafford who lived in Paintsville, KY. In the early 1900s, farmers and coal miners in Appalachia didn't have easy access to libraries. They lived in secluded areas along creeks and cliffs that weren't always easily passable.

May wanted these folks to be able to have some entertainment and expand their knowledge of the world, so she packed up some books and hit the trail delivering to the most remote parts of the county.

The Pack Horse Library Was Officially Created in 1930s

When the Great Depression hit, many Appalachian families were already struggling. Kentucky was a poor state and access to food, clean water, good jobs and education was scarce to begin with let alone after one of the largest economic crises of American history.

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Great Deal brought about the Works Progress Administration which got people to work improving infrastructure like roads, bridges, school buildings and hospitals. In association with the WPA, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt led the organization of the official Pack Horse Library. It was a very innovative idea at the time and provided an opportunity for women to make a difference.

How Did the Pack Horse Library Work?

Books were donated from all over the country to start libraries in churches, post offices, any facility willing to house the collections.  Librarians took their jobs very seriously going out even in the worst of weather and through treacherous terrain.  Using their own horses or mules, women made their rounds twice a month. They took home $28 a month which in today's money would be about $495.

According to Smithsonian Magazine, "In 1936, packhorse librarians served 50,000 families, and, by 1937, 155 public schools." Apparently stories by Mark Twain, Robinson Crusoe, The Bible, and magazines for women were very popular. Since a good portion of the population could not read, books with illustrations were also highly requested. Here's a great video by KET covering the history of the Book Women.

When the Works Progress Administration was ended in 1943, unfortunately so was the Pack Horse Library Program. It wasn't the end of book delivery though! Kentucky led the nation in number of bookmobiles that were drawn by motorized horsepower vs. actual horses.

Kentucky libraries continue to inspire with innovative programs and services that help folks of all ages, income levels, ethnicities, etc. They are one of the only free public spaces which are vital to a healthy community.  While delivery service isn't an option anymore, they make up for it with providing opportunities for us all to learn and have fun.

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Sources: KET, Smithsonian Magazine, History Channel