I live about a mile and a half away from my local library. My mother first introduced it to me when I was two, so it was a constant anchor in my life. We’d go on sweltering summer days when our power went out to escape the heat and “nourish our minds,” as she would say. We’d go during the winter months after a coffee and hot chocolate date and pick out Christmas picture books. We’d sometimes let my little brother tag along to go to themed events or multicultural fairs.

 As a pre-teen, she’d drop me off outside while she browsed the Dollar General on the opposite street. I’d lose myself in the upstairs teen section, skimming through rom-coms and easy-to-read classics. Throughout my childhood, the library was a reliable friend of mine. 

Now that I’m older, it’s turned more into an estranged family member; someone who watched me grow up but now only sees me once or twice a year. 

This sentiment is common for many of my friends and other teens alike — reading fades out of favor and our library visits dwindle as the years go on. Despite this, the Louisville Free Public Library (LFPL) system is still going strong within communities and only growing larger in unexpected ways. 

Before the pandemic, the library bustled with visitors. In August 2019, a total of 2.3 million people walked through the doors of the Louisville branches. Five years later, in August 2024, Paul Burns, the communications director of LFPL, reported a total of 1.7 million visitors, a 26% decrease.

Despite this decline, LFPL is starting to reach their pre-pandemic numbers of in-person visits and recent expansions may increase the number of visitors.

LFPL’s checkout numbers, which include print books, e-books, audiobooks and other materials, are also increasing. In August 2019, circulation reached a total of 3,843,250, and in August 2024 the numbers hit 3,774,611 —  less than a 3% difference.

One resource that has contributed to the increase in audience engagement is the Libby app, which enables library members to digitally check out books. The Libby app was previously called Overdrive and has been a tool for the library for years. During the pandemic, it increased in usage. 

However, as part of its long-term vision, LFPL is planning to accommodate more people in-person by enhancing its amenities. 

This summer, LFPL received funding from the Louisville Metro Government to revitalize, expand and reopen Louisville libraries. Across all projects, LFPL is sitting on $46 million — with $36 million from public funding initiatives like the American Rescue Plan. The American Rescue Plan is a United States Congressional bill created in an attempt to provide COVID-19 relief and rescue a struggling economy. LFPL specifically benefits from the Humanities Grants for Libraries program, a part of the bill that aims to deliver relief to libraries recovering from the pandemic.

The remaining money was partly raised by The Library Foundation, a local organization that reached its $10 million goal in December.

The complete $46 million budget is divided among four of LFPL’s branches: Parkland, Portland, Fern Creek and the Main Library.

Many of LFPL’s branches were funded by the Carnegie Hall Library Campaign. The campaign, started by Andrew Carnegie in 1886, included millions of dollars in donations for libraries across the nation. 

The Parkland Library was opened in 1908 and is now working on reopening after budget cuts made in 1986 led to its closure.

However, this reopening is not just about restoring a building — it’s about enhancing community life and showcasing the opportunities the library has for all ages.

According to Burns, members of the Parkland community have been advocating for the reopening of the library for decades.

“It’s a great testament to what people can do in this community when they have a goal in mind.” said Kate Schiavi, LFPL’s youth service manager. “The neighborhood and the folks who live in Parkland are really excited about that library reopening.”

The Portland branch, another one of the original Carnegie buildings, has a similar story to the Parkland branch. 

“Portland hadn’t been renovated since the eighties and it was in desperate need,” Burns explained. 

The plan for this branch is to not only double the space’s square footage, but also add a flair of complex architecture. By enhancing the older features of the building rather than modernizing it completely, Burns hopes it will beautify the city.

While the Portland branch focuses on revitalizing an older space, the Fern Creek branch is expanding in a new environment. 

“The Fern Creek Library was closed in 2019 due to budget cuts,” Burns said. “We’re gonna be building and opening a brand new 18,000 square foot library in Fern Creek right next to Fern Creek High School.”

Assisting the neighborhood with the reopening of its library is strategic since it is positioned in one of the fastest-growing areas of Jefferson County. 

In 2013, the Pew Research Center released a study stating that 94% of Americans above the age of 16 believe that “having a public library improves the quality of life in a community” — and with Fern Creek only growing in population, there’s a necessity for a library outlet. 

Beyond Fern Creek, the Main Library, another Carnegie building, will be remodeled. 

“We had a flood in 2009 that damaged a lot of the Main Library here and we were able to refurbish most of the historic Carnegie York Street building,” Burns said. “The 1969 edition didn’t have a whole lot of renovation done to it, so that’s the focus of the renovation this time around.”

This investment will not only enhance the library’s physical space but also reinforce its role as a welcoming environment for all patrons. While Louisville has third spaces, or social environments outside of work and home, they’re few and far between for a city of our size. LFPL helps fill this gap.

LFPL offers free Wi-Fi, charging stations and learning centers, all in a serene atmosphere conducive to quiet learning and socializing. 

I met Naomi Alemneh, 13, an eighth grader at Meyzeek Middle School, on Oct. 23 at the Main Library branch. Spiders decorated the teen lounge and pumpkins and snacks sat on a table in preparation for the library’s Teen Choice Movie Day. I saw Alemneh and two of her friends laughing and playing Uno as they waited for the movie to start.

Her friends, Elshaday Nigussie, 12, and Shaardul Basnet, 13, also attend Meyzeek Middle School. They frequently carpool together and have been visiting the library three times a week since the beginning of the school year. 

“My favorite part would have to be the computers, it’s really nice if you have to study right after school,” Nigussie said.

However, the trio often uses the library for more than just their schoolwork.

 “I choose to come here because it feels like a safe place where I can do my work, where I can play games and watch movies,” Alemneh said. 

Meeting these teenagers made me realize that maybe I’ve been neglecting what the library has to offer. I used to think that LFPL’s amenities were only for children, when in reality, the library offers a wide variety of events and resources.

LFPL provides study materials such as ACT Test Prep Packs, on-site practice tests and online tutoring.

The libraries also host similar events to their Teen Choice Movie Day, like monthly arts and crafts clubs.

LFPL has long been a cornerstone of Louisville and remains a safe place for me, even when I sometimes leave my local branch unnoticed. Since its establishment, LFPL has thrived through generations, evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of its patrons, and it will continue to do so long into the future.