Extra Credit: Down Cut Shin Creek: The Pack Horse Librarians of Kentucky
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Extra Credit

 

Appelt, Kathi. 2001. Down Cut Shin Creek: The Pack Horse Librarians of Kentucky. Harper Collins: New York: ISBN: 0060291354

 

 

The Pack Horse Library Project of Eastern Kentucky was a groundbreaking program that derived from the WPA. These pioneer literacy advocates delivered books, magazines, and other materials to poor Appalachia residents. Rising before dawn and confronting challenging paths, these men and women earned a mere $28.00 for their efforts. 

 

Appelt presents the project and its operational system in extremely descriptive detail. The most poignant feature of this book is the photographs that showcase many faces of poverty during the Depression era. These faces probably served as inspiration and motivation for these early librarians and popularized their initiative.

 

This is a great selection for history classes or anyone interested in reading about early librarianship.

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