BUILDING COMMUNITY
ONE LIBRARY | ONE LOUISVILLE
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS: STUDY ROOMS | MAKER SPACE
The Main Library is the heart of downtown Louisville and a steadfast pillar of knowledge and connection, welcoming more than 400,000 visitors annually.
However, the aging library needs to reflect its role as one of the busiest libraries in the state. Established in 1906, the original design of the grand Carnegie Library presents significant accessibility challenges. Large portions of the building remain unusable, including the entire third floor, which closed in 2019 due to budget cuts.
Renovations will address these challenges and transform the first floor to include meeting rooms, rotating displays, and the potential for a maker space with recording booths for podcasting and music recording. The third floor will reopen to the public and include an enhanced Kentucky History Room, the library’s book collection, and study rooms. With these changes, the Main Library will symbolize Louisville’s aspirations and shape the future of the downtown area.
MAIN BY THE NUMBERS
SERVICE AREA
49,380 Households – 3 mile radius
MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME
$77,040
CHILDREN ENROLLED IN SCHOOL
27,208
HOUSEHOLDS WITHOUT INTERNET
3,548
SERVICE AREA
49,380 Households – 3 mile radius
MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME
$77,040
CHILDREN ENROLLED IN SCHOOL
27,208
HOUSEHOLDS WITHOUT INTERNET
3,548
PROJECTED PATRONS
SERVED ANNUALLY AFTER COMPLETION:
400,000+
DOOR COUNT
40,000 visits
CIRCULATION
25,000 items
PROGRAM ATTENDANCE
4,000
COMPUTER SESSIONS
15,000 sessions
DOOR COUNT
40,000 visits
CIRCULATION
25,000 items
PROGRAM ATTENDANCE
4,000
COMPUTER SESSIONS
15,000 sessions
PORTLAND UPDATES
PORTLAND GROUNDBREAKING
THE TIME IS NOW
While this pivotal moment for Louisville is driven by an unprecedented influx of state and public dollars, we are not done yet. Help make this historical branch more accessible to all!