Brave woman

In 1935, deep in the hills of Kentucky, a group of fearless women saddled up with more than supplies—they carried stories, learning, and hope. Known as the “Pack Horse Librarians,” they rode over 120 miles each week through rugged, often dangerous mountain terrain to deliver books to the most remote corners of Appalachia. For just $28 a month, they braved snow, rain, and narrow cliffside trails to reach families who had no other access to reading materials.

Funded by the New Deal’s Works Progress Administration, the program lasted until 1943, leaving behind more than books—it left empowerment. These women weren’t just librarians; they were lifelines, binding communities with knowledge and care. Their legacy still rides strong through the mountains they once crossed. 📚🐎

Sources: National Archives, Down Cut Shin Creek by Kathi Appelt & Jeanne Cannella Schmitzer, FDR Library
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