Alicia is writing an informative text on the topic of the Pack Horse Library initiative, a mobile library program created during the Great Depression. Alicia gathered the following facts from her initial research:
During the Great Depression, librarians rode on horseback into the Appalachian region of Kentucky and distributed reading material to the people otherwise isolated from schools and libraries. This program was called the Pack Horse Library initiative.
In 1936, packhorse librarians served 50,000 families and, by 1937, 155 public schools.
During the Great Depression, food, education, and jobs were scarce for people living in the Appalachian region of Kentucky.
In 1930, up to 31 percent of people in eastern Kentucky couldn’t read.
Electricity and highways in Kentucky were not as advanced as those in neighboring states.
Libraries for the Pack Horse program were housed in any facility that was available, from churches to post offices.
Librarians staffed these libraries, giving books to carriers who then rode their horses or mules and brought books to those living in the mountains.
Carriers rode out at least twice a month, with each route covering 100 to 120 miles a week.
Riders used their own horses and mules.
Riders earned $28 a month.
The books and magazines they carried usually came from outside donations.
Roads could be dangerous and impassable.
Health, strength, and reliability of the horses were a problem.
Some mountain families initially resisted the librarians, suspicious of outsiders/intruders.
1. How could Alicia organize these ideas for her report?
2. What headings could she use?
1. Alicia could organize these ideas for her report by grouping related facts together and arranging them in a logical order. She can start with background information about the Great Depression and the need for libraries in the Appalachian region of Kentucky. Then, she can discuss the Pack Horse Library initiative itself and its impact. Finally, she can address the challenges and successes of the program.
2. Possible headings for Alicia's report could be:
- Introduction: The Great Depression and the Need for Libraries in Kentucky
- The Pack Horse Library Initiative: Bringing Books to Isolated Communities
- Impact and Reach of the Pack Horse Library Program
- Challenges and Successes of the Pack Horse Libraries
- Conclusion: The Legacy and Significance of the Pack Horse Library Initiative during the Great Depression
1. Alicia could organize these ideas for her report by first providing background information on the Great Depression and the challenges faced by people in the Appalachian region of Kentucky. She can then focus on the Pack Horse Library initiative and how it was implemented. Next, she can highlight the impact of the initiative by discussing the number of families and schools served and the issues faced by librarians and carriers. Finally, she can address the initial resistance from some mountain families and the sources of books and materials for the program.
2. Alicia could use the following headings for her report:
- Introduction
- The Great Depression and its Impact on the Appalachian Region
- The Pack Horse Library initiative
- Serving Families and Schools
- Challenges Faced by Librarians and Carriers
- Initial Resistance and Acceptance
- Sources of Books and Materials
- Conclusion
1. Alicia can organize these ideas for her report by creating an outline or a system of categorization. She can group related ideas together to form paragraphs or sections in her report. Additionally, she can prioritize and arrange the ideas in a logical and coherent manner to ensure a smooth flow of information.
2. Alicia can use the following headings for her report:
I. Introduction to the Pack Horse Library initiative
- Brief explanation of the Great Depression and its impact on education and resources in Kentucky
II. Overview of the Pack Horse Library program
- Explanation of the purpose and objectives of the initiative
- Description of the librarians' role and their activities
III. Statistics and impact of the program
- Numbers of families and schools served
- Comparison of literacy rates before and after the program
- Discussion of the significance of the program during a time of scarcity
IV. Challenges faced by the program
- Limited infrastructure in Kentucky (lack of electricity and highways)
- Difficulties in accessing remote areas (dangerous and impassable roads)
- Concerns regarding the health and reliability of the horses
V. Reactions and resistance from the local community
- Initial skepticism and resistance from some mountain families
- Explanation of the reasons behind their suspicion of outsiders
VI. Conclusion and lasting legacy
- Summary of the importance and lasting impact of the Pack Horse Library initiative
- Discussion of any ongoing efforts or similar programs inspired by the initiative