Down Cut Shin Creek: The Pack Horse Librarians of Kentucky

One of many innovative programs of the WPA (the Works Progress Administration) - part of FDR's New Deal initiative, instituted in the 1930s in response to the Great Depression - the Pack Horse Library Project of Eastern Kentucky provided library service to communities that had never had it before, while also putting young women, often the sole remaining bread-winners in their families, to work. Mounted on sturdy ponies, the pack-horse librarians would ride all day, in every kind of weather, through the rough back country of Kentucky's hills, bringing tattered books and magazines to remote homes and rural schoolhouses. Paid only $28 per month, they were local women, often well acquainted with the people they were serving, and were show more dedicated, not just as workers, but as community members.

Their story, as told by Kathi Appelt and Jeanne Cannella Schmitzer, is engrossing. Not only does Down Cut Shin Creek: The Pack Horse Librarians of Kentucky provide a moving portrait of these extraordinary women (and one or two men), it also offers young readers a snapshot glimpse of one area of the country, during a period of great historical upheaval. As an adult, I found that there was much here that was unfamiliar to me - I was not aware that many of the residents of Kentucky's mountain country had been granted land after service in the American Revolution - and I imagine it will be the same with the intended audience. Well illustrated with black and white photographs from the period, the book is at the early chapter-book level, being a little too complex to be called a picture-book, but simple enough to be suitable for elementary school readers (as well as middle grade ones). A bibliography and list of web resources, as well as a helpful index, round out the features of this informative book.

Highly recommended to young readers with an interest in American history, or a love of libraries. They will come away with a greater understanding of the Great Depression, but also with a greater appreciation of the services, from schools to libraries, now available to them! show less

I really enjoyed this children's book about the Pack Horse Librarians. Having read The Giver of Stars, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, and That Book Woman (also a children's book), I appreciated the information and illustrations included this book. Hopefully it will help readers to understand what a gift it is to have access to immediate information, enjoyment and entertainment through our public libraries. Following Memorial Day and during this COVID isolation, it highlights the sacrifices so many Americans made to serve others and to provide education and support to those in need. The Pack Horse Librarians were true heroes of their time and touched the lives of many Appalachian families in Kentucky from 1935-1943. This rural show more service was sponsored by Roosevelt's WPA. A wonderful book for kids and adults alike. I highly recommend “Down Cut Shin Creek” and the other mentioned in this review.
Report Advertisement show less

Did this book make me cry? Only my dog can say for sure.

Many pictures illustrate the true story of the pack horse librarians of Kentucky. They put books, magazines, and newspapers into the hands of children and adults living in a book desert.

Did I enjoy it? Not a lot. Is it a good book? Very. Definitely should be in every elementary school library. Children will be amazed at how recently people lived in such extreme poverty in America, and at how courageous both the families and the librarians were.

Who knew librarians put themselves in such great danger to get books to people during the great depression? A truly amazing piece of history is captured in photographs and beautifully written text. Perhaps it is because I am a book lover, but I don't see how anyone could read this book and not have a renewed appreciation for how easily we can access books.
If I had been introduced to books such as this one, I may have learned something in and enjoyed history class. Every teacher who teaches the great depression needs this book.
I am glad to know the story behind this book: Appelt's son had to do some research on the WPA, and having waited too long, Appelt helped him, discovering the pack horse librarians. Having heard her talk, I know show more about her love for horses (and that she had an imaginary horse as a child). show less

Kids' book, so very quick read, but fascinating and information look at a part of history it's unlikely you've ever heard about, an important precursor to many of today's library outreach services. The tenacious qualities and boldness of these traveling lady librarians is truly inspiring, as is the desire of their "patrons" for reading materials.

This photo-filled book will appeal to any lover of books. The pack horse librarians are truly inspiring with their dedication to improving the lives of people in their community. I certainly take my wonderful library for granted. When I do an outreach program, it entails getting into my car, driving to a school or preschool and bringing a bag of books from our abundant collection. These librarians who rode and walked 20 miles to bring a meager selection of tattered books to a one-room schoolhouse... well, they're an inspiration.

This should be required reading for all librarians and anyone who loves their library.

Read more on my blog:
http://abbylibrarian.blogspot.com/2008/11/book-review-down-cut-shin-creek.html