Louisville Free Public Library: Main Branch
As early as the 1800s, citizens of Louisville were working to organize a library. With the turn of the century around 1900, a grant from famous philanthropist Andrew Carnegie and local taxes were secured, supplying the financial support necessary to create the Louisville Free Public Library.
Construction workers broke ground on the main branch in 1905. Historical images show the extent of the project and what buildings surrounded the library at that time.
The official opening was in 1908.
With the growing library system, other locations were added. At its largest, the Louisville Free Public Library consisted of over 30 braches, including the Western Branch, which opened in 1905 with the distinction of being the first free public library, in the entire country, which was built distinctly for an African American community and staffed exclusively by African Americans.
Children's Library
Since the earliest days, children have been an essential component in the mission of the Louisville Free Public Library. The children’s library has strengthened over time, more children’s books have been made available, multiple weekly storytelling sessions are held and an art gallery for kids is maintained.
The Main Branch expanded in 1969, adding 110,000 square feet of floor space. The expansion has been heralded as a 60s architectural gem and is a compliment to the original Beaux-Arts building, a style combining classical Greek and Roman architecture. This expansion allowed the children’s library to expand, along with the Audio-Visual department, the Kentucky Division, an area for a special collection of rare books, a natural history museum and the safeguarding of United States government documents.
Today, there are fewer branches within the Louisville Free Public Library system (some closed due to lack of funding) but with a modern circulation service, books and materials from every LFPL can be transferred, making information accessible to residents throughout Jefferson County.
In addition, portions of the expanded space in the downtown branch are now reserved for community functions. For example, the auditorium has been used for author readings, book discussions, community events, book signings, plays, seasonal family performances and more.
Louisville Free Public Library
Main Library
301 York Street
(502) 574-1611
Visit the website
As early as the 1800s, citizens of Louisville were working to organize a library. With the turn of the century around 1900, a grant from famous philanthropist Andrew Carnegie and local taxes were secured, supplying the financial support necessary to create the Louisville Free Public Library.
Construction workers broke ground on the main branch in 1905. Historical images show the extent of the project and what buildings surrounded the library at that time.
The official opening was in 1908.
With the growing library system, other locations were added. At its largest, the Louisville Free Public Library consisted of over 30 braches, including the Western Branch, which opened in 1905 with the distinction of being the first free public library, in the entire country, which was built distinctly for an African American community and staffed exclusively by African Americans.
Children's Library
Since the earliest days, children have been an essential component in the mission of the Louisville Free Public Library. The children’s library has strengthened over time, more children’s books have been made available, multiple weekly storytelling sessions are held and an art gallery for kids is maintained.
The Main Branch expanded in 1969, adding 110,000 square feet of floor space. The expansion has been heralded as a 60s architectural gem and is a compliment to the original Beaux-Arts building, a style combining classical Greek and Roman architecture. This expansion allowed the children’s library to expand, along with the Audio-Visual department, the Kentucky Division, an area for a special collection of rare books, a natural history museum and the safeguarding of United States government documents.
Today, there are fewer branches within the Louisville Free Public Library system (some closed due to lack of funding) but with a modern circulation service, books and materials from every LFPL can be transferred, making information accessible to residents throughout Jefferson County.
In addition, portions of the expanded space in the downtown branch are now reserved for community functions. For example, the auditorium has been used for author readings, book discussions, community events, book signings, plays, seasonal family performances and more.
Louisville Free Public Library
Main Library
301 York Street
(502) 574-1611
Visit the website