Advocacy

The Louisville Free Public Library system needs increased financial support to effectively scale its efforts and respond to the evolving community. Our library is funded at less than two-thirds the national average for cities our size, severely impacting the system’s ability to expand services and fully address community challenges. LFPL needs increased annual investment in operating dollars to appropriately staff, stock, and maintain each library. 

AVOCACY PLATFORM 2024

2025 PUBLIC FUNDING PRIORITIES

OPERATIONAL FUNDING: $2.5 MILLION

$500,000 STAFF PARKLAND & PORTLAND LIBRARIES
An increase of $500,000 in operational funds will facilitate the hiring of essential staff, enabling the reopening of the expanded and renovated Parkland and Portland libraries in Fiscal Year 2025. These dedicated staff members play a pivotal role in bringing these vital spaces to life.

$2 MILLION GROW OUR COLLECTION, CUT WAIT TIMES
The average wait time for materials at the Louisville Free Public Library has doubled in the last two years, soaring from 12 to 24 days. Concurrently, the materials budget has remained stagnant. An increase of $2 million in the materials budget will help address this disparity. The Library Foundation is committed to working with Metro Louisville to increase the budget for books and materials by at least $2 million in the coming budget cycles.

CAPITAL FUNDING: $4.5 MILLION

$4.5 million is needed to complete the projects underway at the Parkland, Portland, Fern Creek, and Main libraries. The Library Foundation is committed to working with legislators, community leaders, and citizens to identify and secure the public and private funds needed to invest in our public library infrastructure and provide equitable services across neighborhoods.

Community patronage helps libraries and citizens by encouraging engagement with library services, sharing information and resources, and helping secure much-needed funding. Here is how you can help:

  • Participate by visiting a library, using services, and sharing with your friends and family all LFPL has to offer.
  • Advocate to your Louisville Metro Councilperson and tell them why public libraries matter to you and our community. Ask them to support this year’s public funding priorities.
  • Donate to the Library Foundation.

Don’t know your Councilperson? Find your district here.

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