Louisville Free Public Library, Louisville
The Louisville Free Public Library (LFPL), founded in 1902 and officially opened to the public in 1908, is the largest public library system in Kentucky. It began by merging with the Polytechnic Society of Kentucky, initially housing its collection in the Kaufman-Straus Building before moving into the purpose-built Main Library, completed in 1906. The system quickly expanded, both in physical space and social impact. Among its most historically significant achievements was the establishment of the Western Colored Branch, the first Carnegie-funded library in the U.S. built exclusively for African Americans. It was led by Thomas Fountain Blue, a pioneering figure in African American library services and training.
LFPL鈥檚 Main Library, located at 4th and York Streets in downtown Louisville, remains the central hub of the system. Its original South Building was designed by New York firm Tachau and Pilcher and funded by Andrew Carnegie. In 1969, the library expanded with the addition of a modern North Building by Louisville architects Louis and Henry, increasing total floor space from 42,000 to 152,000 square feet. This expansion reflected LFPL鈥檚 commitment to meeting the growing needs of the community.
At its peak, the LFPL system operated over 30 branches, but many were later closed due to financial constraints. Today, LFPL maintains 16 branches alongside the Main Library, continuing to serve Jefferson County with internet access, inter-library loan services, and community programming. A notable innovation came in 1950 when LFPL became the first library in the nation to launch its own FM radio station, WFPL.
LFPL鈥檚 Main Library, located at 4th and York Streets in downtown Louisville, remains the central hub of the system. Its original South Building was designed by New York firm Tachau and Pilcher and funded by Andrew Carnegie. In 1969, the library expanded with the addition of a modern North Building by Louisville architects Louis and Henry, increasing total floor space from 42,000 to 152,000 square feet. This expansion reflected LFPL鈥檚 commitment to meeting the growing needs of the community.
At its peak, the LFPL system operated over 30 branches, but many were later closed due to financial constraints. Today, LFPL maintains 16 branches alongside the Main Library, continuing to serve Jefferson County with internet access, inter-library loan services, and community programming. A notable innovation came in 1950 when LFPL became the first library in the nation to launch its own FM radio station, WFPL.
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Louisville Free Public Library on Map
Sight Name: Louisville Free Public Library
Sight Location: Louisville, USA (See walking tours in Louisville)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Louisville, USA (See walking tours in Louisville)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Louisville, Kentucky
Create Your Own Walk in Louisville
Creating your own self-guided walk in Louisville is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Louisville Introduction Walking Tour
Poised on the banks of the Ohio River, Kentucky's largest city Louisville blends small-town charm with urban sophistication. The first European settlement in the vicinity of modern-day Louisville was on Corn Island, established in 1778 by Col. George Rogers Clark, credited as the founder of the city. Two years later, the Virginia General Assembly approved the town charter of Louisville. The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
Historical Old Louisville Walking Tour
The third largest urban district in the United States and the country's largest preservation district of Victorian-era buildings, the Old Town of Louisville is an ideal area in which to travel through the city's history. It is here that Louisville's oldest and most peculiar houses and other reminders of the past are concentrated, featuring a wealth of architectural styles.
... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Louisville Architecture Walking Tour
Louisville, Kentucky, is famous for its architectural marvels, featuring a combination of styles and eras, sizes and artistic directions, adding a great deal of uniqueness to the city panorama. Architecture buffs will be delighted at a chance to admire the elaborate edifices abounding the city.
One such iconic spot is Whiskey Row. Once a bustling hub of the local bourbon industry, it has been... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
One such iconic spot is Whiskey Row. Once a bustling hub of the local bourbon industry, it has been... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles