In the midst of the worst economic disaster in US History, hope was being carried through the rural communities tucked amongst the rugged mountains of eastern Kentucky. The Pack Horse Library Project sent women on horseback through the most remote regions of the Cumberland Mountains to deliver reading materials to isolated homes and communities. The project gave hundreds of women their first taste of independence and purpose, and provided thousands of Appalachians their first glimpses into the world beyond Kentucky through the pages of books. Grief retreat: the-giving-ground.com Adopt A Gato NPS San Juan Historical Site Environmental Assessment We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there, remember to enjoy the view but watch your back. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe from wherever you’re listening to NPAD! Become part of our Outsider family on Patreon  or Apple Subscriptions to gain access to ad-free episodes, bonus content, and more. Follow our socials Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. To share a Trail Tale, suggest a story, access merch, and browse our book recommendations - head over to our website. Thank you so much to our partners, check them out! BetterHelp: National Park After Dark is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off. IQBAR: Text PARK to 64000 to get 20% off all IQBAR products and free shipping. Quince: Use our link to get free shipping and 365-day returns. Naked Wines: Follow our link and use code and password NPAD to get 6 bottles of wine for $39.99 plus free shipping. Sources Book: Down Cut Shin Creek, The Pack Horse Librarians of Kentucky by Kathi Appelt and Jeanna Cannella Schmitzer Documentary: The Pack Horse Librarians of Appalachia (PBS) Articles: History, Living New Deal, Digital Public Library of America, Smithsonian Magazine, American Library Association, VCU Libraries Social Welfare History Project, History (2), National Park History