Louisville Library Hours 2025
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Louisville Free Public Library (LFPL) has been serving the Derby City since 1904, now operating 18 neighborhood branches throughout Jefferson County. The downtown Main Library, housed in a historic 1908 Carnegie building with modern additions, is a cultural landmark offering extensive study spaces, a Maker Lab with 3D printing, and special collections on Kentucky history and bourbon heritage. With 1.5 million annual visitors and world-class university libraries including UofL's Ekstrom Library, Louisville offers library resources as rich as its bourbon.
Louisville Main Library
The Main Library is Louisville's flagship cultural institution, combining the historic 1908 Carnegie building with modern expansions. This four-story downtown library offers the most extensive collections and services in the LFPL system, including a Maker Lab, recording studio, and special collections on Kentucky and Louisville history including bourbon industry archives.
Main Library - Downtown
📍 301 York Street, Louisville, KY 40203
📞 (502) 574-1611 | Official Website →
| Monday - Thursday | 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Popular Neighborhood Branches
Highlands-Shelby Park Library
📍 1250 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40204
📞 (502) 574-1672
| Monday - Thursday | 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Popular branch in the vibrant Highlands neighborhood, walking distance to Bardstown Road shops and restaurants.
St. Matthews Library
📍 3940 Grandview Avenue, Louisville, KY 40207
📞 (502) 574-1771
| Monday - Thursday | 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Modern facility in east Louisville with ample parking, study rooms, and popular children's programs.
Newburg Library
📍 4800 Exeter Avenue, Louisville, KY 40218
📞 (502) 574-1720
| Monday - Thursday | 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Iroquois Library
📍 601 W. Woodlawn Avenue, Louisville, KY 40214
📞 (502) 574-1712
| Monday, Wednesday | 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Tuesday, Thursday - Saturday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Fern Creek Library
📍 6768 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40291
📞 (502) 574-1674
| Monday, Wednesday | 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Tuesday, Thursday - Saturday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Southwest Library
📍 9725 Dixie Highway, Louisville, KY 40272
📞 (502) 574-1760
| Monday - Thursday | 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Newest branch opened in 2011 with LEED Silver certification and modern amenities.
All 18 Louisville Free Public Library Branches
LFPL operates 18 branches throughout Louisville Metro/Jefferson County:
Main Library
📍 301 York Street
📞 (502) 574-1611
Bon Air
📍 2816 Del Rio Place
📞 (502) 574-1660
Crescent Hill
📍 2762 Frankfort Avenue
📞 (502) 574-1670
Fairdale
📍 10620 W. Manslick Road
📞 (502) 574-1673
Fern Creek
📍 6768 Bardstown Road
📞 (502) 574-1674
Highlands-Shelby Park
📍 1250 Bardstown Road
📞 (502) 574-1672
Iroquois
📍 601 W. Woodlawn Avenue
📞 (502) 574-1712
Jeffersontown
📍 10635 Watterson Trail
📞 (502) 574-1713
Middletown
📍 201 Juneau Drive
📞 (502) 574-1716
Newburg
📍 4800 Exeter Avenue
📞 (502) 574-1720
Northeast
📍 7401 Outer Loop
📞 (502) 574-1722
Portland
📍 3305 Northwestern Parkway
📞 (502) 574-1740
Shawnee
📍 3912 W. Broadway
📞 (502) 574-1750
Shively
📍 3920 Dixie Highway
📞 (502) 574-1755
South Central
📍 7300 Jefferson Blvd
📞 (502) 574-1758
Southwest
📍 9725 Dixie Highway
📞 (502) 574-1760
St. Matthews
📍 3940 Grandview Avenue
📞 (502) 574-1771
Westport
📍 8100 Westport Road
📞 (502) 574-1780
Special Collections & Services
Louisville Free Public Library offers unique resources reflecting the city's heritage:
- Kentucky Room: Extensive genealogy and local history resources including bourbon industry archives
- African American Archives: Materials on Louisville's Black history and civil rights legacy
- Maker Lab: 3D printers, laser cutters, audio/video recording studio at Main Library
- Mobile Hotspots: Borrow free WiFi devices for 3 weeks
- Museum Passes: Free admission to Speed Art Museum, Kentucky Science Center, Louisville Zoo
- Notary Services: Free at select branches
- Job & Career Center: Resume help, interview prep, job search computers
University Libraries in Louisville
University of Louisville - William F. Ekstrom Library
📍 2301 S. Third Street, Louisville, KY 40292
📞 (502) 852-6747 | library.louisville.edu
| Monday - Thursday | 7:30 AM - 12:00 AM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM |
| Finals Week | 24/7 Access (UofL students) |
Main research library with 1.6 million volumes. Community members welcome with valid ID.
UofL Kornhauser Health Sciences Library
📍 500 S. Preston Street, Louisville, KY 40202
📞 (502) 852-5771
| Monday - Thursday | 7:00 AM - 12:00 AM |
| Friday | 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM |
Bellarmine University - W.L. Lyons Brown Library
📍 2001 Newburg Road, Louisville, KY 40205
📞 (502) 272-8370 | library.bellarmine.edu
| Monday - Thursday | 7:30 AM - 12:00 AM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 12:00 AM |
Community members welcome during regular hours with valid ID.
Spalding University - Library
📍 901 S. Fourth Street, Louisville, KY 40203
📞 (502) 873-4201
| Monday - Thursday | 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
Insider Tips for Louisville Libraries
- Derby Week hours: Check library schedules during Kentucky Derby week (first Saturday in May) - some branches adjust hours.
- Museum passes: Your LFPL card gets you free passes to Speed Art Museum, Louisville Zoo, and Kentucky Science Center - reserve online.
- Main Library parking: Limited downtown parking - take TARC bus routes 4, 17, 19, or 23 to Main Library.
- Sunday hours: Only Main, Highlands-Shelby Park, St. Matthews, and Newburg are open Sundays 1-5 PM.
- Maker Lab: Main Library has free 3D printing, laser cutting, and a recording studio - book in advance.
- Mobile hotspots: Borrow free WiFi devices for 3 weeks - perfect for students without home internet.
- Late night studying: UofL Ekstrom Library is open until midnight (24/7 during finals) and welcomes community members.
- Bourbon research: The Kentucky Room at Main Library has extensive bourbon industry archives - great for history buffs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Louisville Main Library hours?
Louisville Main Library at 301 York Street is open Monday-Thursday 9AM-9PM, Friday-Saturday 9AM-5PM, and Sunday 1PM-5PM. It has the most extensive hours and services in the LFPL system.
Does Louisville Free Public Library have free WiFi?
Yes! All 18 LFPL locations offer free WiFi. No library card is required to use WiFi - just connect to the LFPL network. You can also borrow mobile hotspots for home use.
How do I get a Louisville library card?
Library cards are free for all Kentucky residents. Bring a valid photo ID and proof of current address to any LFPL branch. Cards are issued immediately. Out-of-state residents can purchase an annual card for $30.
Which Louisville libraries are open on Sunday?
Four branches are open Sundays 1PM-5PM: Main Library, Highlands-Shelby Park, St. Matthews, and Newburg. All other branches are closed on Sundays.
Can I use University of Louisville library?
Yes! UofL Ekstrom Library welcomes community members with valid photo ID during regular hours. Some electronic resources require a UofL NetID, but study spaces, physical books, and general collections are accessible to the public.
Does Louisville library have 3D printing?
Yes! Main Library's Maker Lab offers free 3D printing, laser cutting, a recording studio, and other maker equipment. Book time in advance through lfpl.org. Training sessions are available for beginners.
Are Louisville libraries open during Kentucky Derby?
Most branches maintain regular hours during Derby Week, but some may have adjusted schedules on Derby Saturday (first Saturday in May). Always check lfpl.org before visiting during major events.
Last updated: January 2025 | Verified by Library Hours 24 Editorial Team
Please verify hours with lfpl.org before visiting, especially on holidays and during Kentucky Derby week.
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Verified Info: Our team personally contacts libraries to verify hours. Data last confirmed: December 2025
Common Questions About Louisville Libraries
What time do libraries open in Louisville?
Most public libraries in Louisville open at 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM on weekdays. Weekend hours typically start at 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM. Academic and university libraries may open earlier, around 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM during the semester.
Are Louisville libraries open on weekends?
Yes, most Louisville public libraries are open on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Sunday hours vary by location, with many libraries operating reduced hours (12:00 PM to 5:00 PM) or remaining closed.
Do I need a library card to visit Louisville libraries?
No, you can visit and use library facilities without a card. However, borrowing books, accessing computers, and using certain services require a free library card. Residents can get one with valid ID and proof of address.