That Book Woman and the Pack Horse Librarians of Kentucky

  __By Tiffany Amber Stockton__

In August, I covered bathing costumes and swimwear to wrap up the summer. Since I recently saw a play performed on this topic and school is back in session after summer break, let's take a look at some amazing women who personally increased literacy rates between WWI and WWII and beyond.

That Book Woman!

Next month, I'll go into more detail about The Pioneer Playhouse in Danville, Kentucky, as it was the site of a play I recently attended with other local authors. Based off Heather Henson's children's book of the same name, That Book Woman showcased the bravery and ingenuity of the ladies who came to be known as Packhorse Librarians.

Many books have been written on this subject, and books delivered by horseback to remote areas has stretched far beyond just the Appalachian Mountain region. Given the sometimes treacherous conditions under which these women delivered books and the animosity they often faced, their lasting tale comes as no surprise.

Picture this: it’s 1935, and you’re in the rugged hills of Eastern Kentucky. Roads are scarce, and the nearest library might as well be on the moon. But wait—here comes your hero on horseback, not with a six-shooter but with a saddlebag full of books!

This isn’t the plot of a Western; it’s the Pack Horse Library Project, a real-life story of grit and determination. These brave "book women" saddled up to deliver knowledge to the most isolated communities. They didn’t just drop off books—they brought the world to people who had never seen it.

Imagine riding 50 to 80 miles a week, navigating rocky paths and crossing rivers, sometimes on foot or by rowboat. Your cargo? Damaged books, old magazines, and out-of-date textbooks that bigger libraries didn’t want anymore. But to these mountain families, they were treasures.

Demand was high, and the book women had to get creative. They made scrapbooks full of magazine clippings, local recipes, and sewing patterns. Soon, the locals joined in, creating their own scrapbooks with family histories and child-rearing advice. These homemade collections became a beloved part of the library’s offerings.

By 1936, the need for more books was clear. Enter Lena Nofcier and her Penny Fund Plan. She rallied the Kentucky PTA, boy scouts, Sunday schools, and anyone who would listen to donate or gather books. Her efforts were so successful that eight new pack horse libraries were born.

At its peak, the program served nearly 100,000 people across 30 libraries. It brought adventure, travel, and romance to the mountains, sparking imaginations and fostering a love for reading in children and adults alike.

Sadly, the program ended in 1943 when funding was cut. But the legacy of the pack horse librarians lived on, inspiring the introduction of bookmobiles in the late 1950s.

So next time you curl up with a good book, think of those brave librarians. They didn’t just deliver books; they delivered hope, knowledge, and a glimpse of a world beyond the hills.

The Pack Horse Librarians of Kentucky played a significant role in promoting literacy and access to education in rural areas during a time of great need. Their efforts helped bridge the educational gap and brought reading materials to communities that would have otherwise been without them. Today, their story serves as a testament to the power of innovative library services and the dedication of librarians who went above and beyond to serve their communities.

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN:

* What was your first introduction to books and reading?

* Do you recall your first visit to a library? When was the last time you utilized a library?

* Have you ever been visited by a bookmobile service? Where? They're basically the modern-day version of a pack horse librarian, just on wheels.

** This note is for our email readers. Please do not reply via email with any comments. View the blog online and scroll down to the comments section.

Come back on the 9th of each month for my next foray into historical tidbits to share.

For those interested in my life as an author and everyday gal, what I'm currently reading, historical tidbits, recommended reads, and industry news about other authors, subscribe to my monthly newsletter. The latest edition was just sent out last week. Receive a FREE e-book of Magic of the Swan just for subscribing.

BIO

Tiffany Amber Stockton has been crafting and embellishing stories since childhood, when she was accused of having a very active imagination and cited with talking entirely too much. Today, she has honed those skills to become an award-winning, best-selling author and speaker who is also a professional copywriter/copyeditor. She loves to share life-changing products and ideas with others to help improve their lives in a variety of ways.

She lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, along with their two children, one dog, and three cats in southeastern Kentucky. In the 20+ years she's been a professional writer, she has sold twenty-six (26) books so far and is represented by Tamela Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. You can find her on Facebook and GoodReads.