Many people think of libraries as old dusty buildings that people go to when they need to research a boring topic for school. Those are days of the past and now modern libraries are bustling with life. The Louisville Free Public Library’s main branch is the biggest library in the state and it’s always staying up to date on exciting and fun technology. This beautiful Louisville, Kentucky library includes interesting history about our state and the library system. All in all, you can spend hours at Louisville Free Public Library and never get bored, so let’s jump in!

Welcome to the Louisville Free Public Library!

Louisville Free Public Library/Google Local

You might be thinking it’s odd that this is a “free” public library, but libraries used to cost money to visit.

Daniel Light/Google Local

In 1816, the city had a public library, but it wasn’t free and just housed a small collection in the courthouse.

Kim B/Google Local In 1905, the first free public library — Louisville Free Public Library — finally opened its doors.

There’s even more history to this library, starting with it’s first librarian.

Louisville Free Public Library/Facebook From it’s opening until 1910, Marilla Waite Freeman was the Head of Reference, and she later went on to be one of the most-known librarians in the nation. Who knew such history started in Louisville?

Since then, our library system has expanded exponentially, but this branch is still the biggest in the entire state.

Louisville Free Public Library/Facebook

Even if you don’t have any studying to do, the Louisville Free Public Library is an absolutely stunning place to walk around.

Louisville Free Public Library/Facebook

This isn’t your average library and we can promise you’ll spend hours browsing our largest library.

Louisville Free Public Library/Facebook For more information on Louisville Free Public Library, you can visit their website right here.

Have you ever been to Kentucky’s biggest public library? Did you know the history? What did you think? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Louisville Free Public Library/Google Local

Daniel Light/Google Local

Kim B/Google Local

In 1905, the first free public library — Louisville Free Public Library — finally opened its doors.

Louisville Free Public Library/Facebook

From it’s opening until 1910, Marilla Waite Freeman was the Head of Reference, and she later went on to be one of the most-known librarians in the nation. Who knew such history started in Louisville?

For more information on Louisville Free Public Library, you can visit their website right here.

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Address: Louisville Free Public Library, 301 York St, Louisville, KY 40203, USA