The Packhorse Librarian card is inspired by a group of dedicated women who became the lifeline of knowledge and information for remote communities in the Appalachian region during the Great Depression. Part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), this unique program was established in 1935 to provide jobs for women and to improve literacy in isolated, rural areas where access to libraries was non-existent.

These librarians traveled on horseback or mule through rough terrain and in all kinds of weather to deliver books, magazines, and newspapers to families who would otherwise have had no access to reading material. They would often travel over 100 miles a week, carrying saddlebags filled with books and other reading materials, reaching deep into the mountains of Kentucky and beyond. The program not only provided much-needed employment during a time of economic hardship but also had a profound impact on the communities it served by improving literacy rates and fostering a love of reading in areas that had been previously overlooked.

The work of the Packhorse Librarians went beyond just delivering books. They built personal relationships with the families they served, often reading aloud to those who couldn’t read themselves and encouraging children to develop their literacy skills. The librarians became trusted figures in the community, and their efforts helped to connect these remote areas with the broader world, breaking down the barriers of isolation.

The significance of the Packhorse Librarians cannot be overstated. At a time when many Americans were struggling to survive, these women provided a crucial service that empowered communities, fostered education, and improved quality of life. Their work was an early example of the power of grassroots efforts to bring about social change and improve lives through education and literacy.

Today, the legacy of the Packhorse Librarians lives on in various forms. Organizations like ILoveBooks.org continue the spirit of bringing books and educational resources to those in need. When you buy “merch”, they provide books to children, with a similar social enterprise structure as the TOMS shoe brand. Proceeds from every sale directly fund book donations to children in underserved communities.

Lovingly known as “Chief Bookman” to children across Kentucky and beyond, I Love Books is the brainchild of Jonathan Beatty from Hazard, KY. The brand is dedicated to promoting literacy and ensuring that books are available to all children, regardless of their circumstances. By distributing books to schools, libraries, and children in underprivileged communities, they are modern-day torchbearers of the Packhorse Librarians’ mission.

The story of the Packhorse Librarians is a testament to the enduring importance of literacy and education in empowering individuals and communities. Their legacy serves as an inspiration to continue the work of bringing knowledge and learning to those who need it most, bridging the gaps of access and opportunity in today’s world. As we honor the Packhorse Librarians, we are reminded of the transformative power of education and the vital role that access to books plays in shaping the future.

You can learn more about the Packhorse Librarians in the PBS video embedded on this page to gain further insight into their incredible journey and legacy.