The Fierce Female Librarians Who Delivered Books on Horseback During the Great Depression
by: Nina Ross
March 29, 2023
source: Dusty Old Thing
The Great Depression was a time of great hardship for many Americans. Jobs were scarce, and people struggled to make ends meet. But despite the challenges of the era, there were some people who refused to let the tough times bring them down. In rural areas of the country, a group of fierce female librarians took it upon themselves to deliver books on horseback to those in need.
These librarians, known as the Pack Horse Librarians, were part of a Works Progress Administration (WPA) program designed to promote literacy and education during the Great Depression. The program was established in the 1930s as a response to the widespread poverty and illiteracy in rural America. The Pack Horse Librarians were tasked with bringing books, magazines, and other reading materials to people who lived in remote areas and had no access to libraries.
The women who became Pack Horse Librarians were often from poor backgrounds themselves. Many had grown up in rural areas where books were scarce, and they had firsthand experience of how difficult it was to access educational materials. But despite their own struggles, they were determined to help others.
The women who became Pack Horse Librarians underwent extensive training before they were sent out into the field. They learned how to ride and care for horses, as well as how to organize and run a small library. They were also given training in basic first aid, so that they could assist anyone in need during their travels.
Once they were ready, the Pack Horse Librarians set out into the mountains and rural areas of the country, carrying books with them on horseback. They traveled long distances, often facing challenging terrain and harsh weather conditions. But they persisted, knowing that the books they were delivering were a lifeline for many people.
The Pack Horse Librarians became an important source of education and entertainment for people who lived in remote areas. They helped to promote literacy and a love of learning, even in the midst of difficult times. And in doing so, they left a lasting legacy of dedication, perseverance, and service to others.
The work of the Pack Horse Librarians had a profound impact on the communities they served. They delivered books to people of all ages, from children to adults, and their efforts helped to improve the literacy rates in rural areas. The librarians also provided a sense of connection and community, as they visited people in their homes and took the time to talk with them about their interests and needs.
In addition to delivering books, the Pack Horse Librarians also served as advocates for education and literacy. They spoke to local officials and community leaders about the importance of investing in schools and libraries, and they worked to raise awareness about the challenges facing rural communities.
The Pack Horse Librarians continued their work throughout the Great Depression, and their efforts were recognized as an important part of the New Deal’s efforts to promote education and literacy. After the program ended, many of the librarians went on to work in other areas of education and community service, leaving a lasting legacy of dedication and commitment to improving the lives of others.
Today, the work of the Pack Horse Librarians is remembered as a shining example of the power of education and service to transform lives and communities. Their efforts continue to inspire people around the world, and their legacy reminds us that even in the most challenging of times, we can make a difference by working together and never giving up.
