Wooton, Kentucky facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wooton, Kentucky
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 Wooton, Kentucky
Location in Kentucky
Wooton, Kentucky
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Kentucky |
| County | Leslie |
| Elevation | 876 ft (267 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP codes |
41776
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| GNIS feature ID | 516481 |
Wooton is a small, quiet community located in Leslie County, Kentucky, in the United States. It is an unincorporated community, which means it's not a city or a town with its own local government. Instead, it's a group of homes and people living together in a specific area.
Contents
The Amazing Pack Horse Library
Wooton holds a special place in history because it was home to Kentucky's very first "pack horse library." This unique library started in 1934 and was a big deal for people living in remote areas.
Books on Horseback
Imagine a time before the internet, before cars were common everywhere, and before many homes had electricity. In the 1930s, many families in the mountains of Kentucky lived far from towns and schools. They had very few books. The pack horse library project aimed to change that.
Librarians, often women, would ride horses or mules through the mountains, carrying books in saddlebags. They delivered books directly to homes, schools, and community centers. These brave librarians faced tough weather and difficult trails to bring the joy of reading to isolated families.
Why Was This Library Special?
The pack horse library in Wooton was the very first one to open in Kentucky. It was located in the Wooton Community Center. These libraries were a lifeline for many children and adults. They provided not just entertainment, but also important information and a connection to the outside world.
The project helped people learn new skills, read stories, and stay informed. It showed how important books and reading were, even when times were tough.
What Was the WPA?
The pack horse library project was part of a larger government program called the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The WPA was created in the 1930s during a difficult time known as the Great Depression. Many people had lost their jobs.
The WPA's goal was to create jobs for people by funding public works projects. These projects included building roads, bridges, parks, and even libraries like the one in Wooton. The WPA helped many Americans earn a living and improved communities across the country.
Where is Wooton Located?
Wooton is found in the eastern part of Kentucky. It is specifically located within Leslie County. The community sits among the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, which are known for their forests and hills.
