Packhorse Librarians

Established in 1935 as a part of the Works Progress Administration, the Pack Horse Library Project was aimed at providing reading materials to rural portions of Eastern Kentucky with no other access to public library facilities. Librarians riding horses or mules traveled 50 to 80 miles a week up rocky creekbeds, along muddy footpaths, and among cliffs to deliver reading materials to the most remote residences and schools in the mountains.