Horseback Librarian

Previously, we learned that Lanette had to leave college after her final examinations, for she lacked the sufficient funds to pay for her tuition. One day, she hopes to return, but for now she will continue to work for the Pack Horse Library in the southeast mountains of Kentucky. Last month she spent her Christmas with the Coltons, Mrs. Dukater, and Mr. Fordwick. What do you suppose she is up to this month?

Chapter Eleven

January 30, 1935

Dear Maisie,

Your letter arrived this morning! I am lucky to be in Miracle today, so that I could read all your news now instead of a week later. Sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas! I appreciate you telling me all about it. How grand to see all the nephews and nieces, to have delicious oranges, and to go ice skating! I hope you gave those sweet kids hugs from me!

This past month I have settled into a regular routine with the Pack Horse Library. I believe I finally have my routes down to memory whether there is a lot of snow or not. I have figured out the distances between places, which families are interested in borrowing books, and where I can stay a night if I’m not located in Miracle. There are a couple Saturdays out of the month that I have helped the local school teacher grade papers, decorate, and either prepare for events or for the following week of school. She has been kind enough to pay me a few cents an hour, even when I feel that is no longer necessary since I am not trying to pay for college. Nevertheless, the extra income is nice and I have gotten into the habit of saving every penny if I can help it. There might come a time when I would like to return home.

While I enjoy my jobs and all the people I see throughout the days I miss having readings to study and projects to do for college. As a means to combat the sadness I feel from leaving college I devote my extra time to reading. I reckon you would say I am trying to learn as much as I can with the resources I have just as these mountain people are doing with the books I am providing for them. Out here, if you are not working, or visiting with people, or crafting something for future use, reading provides a great pastime. That is, of course, if you know how to read.

I’ve tried to help out the Colton children with the alphabet. They have definitely improved. The older kids have been able to pronounce a few words to me. Whenever I stop to see Mrs. Dukater, we swap stories. She describes to me the ones she keeps in her mind, and I read probably for an hour from whatever novel she says sounds interesting to her. Now that I know about Mr. Fordwick, I try to visit him, too. If he’s around he usually pulls out his fiddle and plays me a few tunes. I’ve started to write down the lyrics to the songs he plays. Little does he know that I plan to compile his songs and send them to a printing company. I may not be able to record the music notes because I am not great at reading them, but I think the world should know about these mountain songs. One day, maybe, people will be able to read these lyrics from a book they found at their local library. I’m excited about this little side project. What have you been up to lately besides the festivities of Christmas?

I forgot to tell you that at the end of 1934, one of the other girls working for the Pack Horse Library came to see me. Do you remember me briefly mentioning Ada? When I first came out to Miracle she was one of the girls who rode with me to Pineville. She’s been working around Wallins Creek, which is located in Harlan County to the northeast of here. That town also lies along the Cumberland River. She traveled those fourteen miles on horseback and in cold weather. I still cannot believe she came all that way just to see me. I’ve only ever talked with her on that one day. Nevertheless, she made good company. The Lancings also enjoyed having her around for a while. Ada’s reasoning is that she needed to get away from Wallins Creek for a few days and see other people. From the way she talked I have a feeling that she is restless. I don’t know about her life before coming to Wallins Creek, but from the little interaction I’ve had with her I suspect she’d be better suited in a city. She’s headstrong, though, so I think she’s going to tough it out until summer comes and she’s saved up enough to relocate.

In regards to the other girl who came out here with us, Julie, I have not heard from her. Neither had Ada. The last I knew she was somewhere over by Calvin. I wonder how many women who joined the Pack Horse Library are still out there in the mountains, navigating their routes with their horses. Have they met as wonderful people as I have? Have they endured mild weather or not? What stories might they have to tell once they are through? In all honesty, I don’t know how long I intend to stay with this project. I took it on to pay my way through college, but now…What exactly is my future, Maisie? Will I be in the mountains forever? Will I ever return to a place like Lexington? Will this depression continue to last?

Wishing you all the best in this new year, Maisie. Looking forward to whenever I get to see you next. Miss you!

Love,

Lanette