Kentucky's Packhorse Librarians

by Nicki Jacobsmeyer

Marking the ridgelines and hearts of the Appalachians during the Great Depression, packhorse librarians delivered hope, one book at a time.

When the Great Depression started, folks stumbled on hard times. Many lost their jobs and homes, and they struggled to support their families. But people craved hope for the future, and hope arrived with the packhorse librarians through Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal in 1933. Each week, children, families, and schoolhouses celebrated when their packhorse librarian arrived at their doors with books. After being handled by many cherished hands, reading materials needed to be taken out of circulation. The librarians constructed scrapbooks and filled them with beloved items—recipes, quilt patterns, pictures, and stories. Challenges awaited the librarians at every pass. From muddy creeks to snowy hillsides, the packhorse librarians delivered books and hope to their patrons. Although the program ended in 1943, the lasting effects on literacy and the communities these packhorse librarians visited can still be seen today.

Author Nicki Jacobsmeyer lives in rural Missouri, where she writes fiction and nonfiction for adults and children. She inspires others to discover and dream through reading and believes books are windows to the world. 

128 pages, Paperback

Published March 18, 2025

Reviews

[Courtney Bagby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic and interesting read about the packhorse librarians of Kentucky. Amazing pictures and facts about life during this difficult time and the librarians who went above and beyond to bring books and other items to people in rural areas. This is what inspires one to be something greater.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fascinating look at some truly inspirational librarians and how their fierce dedication helped elevate their communities during the Great Depression. Jacobsmeyer does an excellent job of explaining the dire state of the U.S. during those "cracking hard times" and the factors that led to the Works Progress Administration and the Packhorse Librarian program. Chock full of amazing photos, this book serves both as historical record and a lesson in the importance of literacy and connection. An excellent resource for any home or school library!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a treasure trove of the best parts of our American history! Exploring the hard work and dedication of the women who traversed the toughest terrain to bring literacy to all of the families living in hard to reach parts of our country - this book is filled with images and stories of hope. Nicki Jacobsmeyer did a wonderful job researching and making real the lives of these heroic women! A must read!

[Jeanne Felfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most of us take for granted that we can walk into any library and find a book to read. However, it hasn't always been so easy, especially for people in the Appalachians during the Great Depression. They depended on a dedicated group of Packhorse Librarians to bring them books. Yes, these librarians rode horses up and down hills in the back country bringing books and hope to their patrons.

I highly recommend this book to young and old.

[Diane How · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through creek beds and snow-covered mountain paths, Packhorse Librarians brought reading materials to families desperate for knowledge. The author enhanced her extensive research with fascinating pictures of Kentucky. The book serves as a reminder of the literary impact made by these dedicated people. Kudos to the author for her efforts!

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick impressions: The book as a whole is relatively easy to read. It shows a bit of history not many outside the region may know. Book is very basic, almost like an annotated photo album.

(Full review on my blog soon.)

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look at literacy efforts in Kentucky during the 1920-30's. Lots of photos.

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I might be a little bias with this one because I helped with the author with research when she came to the library I work at. But I'm also happy to see an adult nonfiction book about the Packhorse librarians. Though they are throughout fiction.