Public Library Construction - Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives

KDLA helps libraries plan for the future by advising them with building and renovation projects from the planning stage through completion. KDLA also administers the Public Library Facilities Construction Fund to assist libraries in retiring debt incurred when renovating existing facilities or building new library facilities.

The new, 5,600 sf branch in Mt. Washington opened in September 2002. It features a children's area and a senior citizens room. The building cost $521,588.

Exterior | Children's Area |

The new branch in Newport has 27,000 sf and opened in the spring of 2004. The construction cost $3,900,000, part of which was paid for by a grant from KDLA. It features a children's area and local history room. It also has a beautiful view of Mount Adams in Cincinnati.

Elliott County opened its new building in the spring of 2003. The facility covers 8,000 square feet and had a total project cost of about $1,300,000. KDLA's Public Library Facilities Construction Fund will provide $125,000 a year for 20 years to retire debt incurred to help pay for the new building which features a children's area with a reading castle.

Exterior | Children's Room | Readers' Sitting Area |

The new Grant County Public Library opened in the Spring of 2003. The facility covers 12,000 square feet and had a total project cost of about $2,100,000. KDLA's Public Library Facilities Construction Fund will provide $70,000 a year for 20 years to retire debt incurred to help pay for the new building.

The renovated and expanded Flatwoods Branch opened in October of 2002. This project enlarged the building to 10,000 sf at a cost of $1,348,000 and features expanded children's space and an enlarged meeting room. Part of the funding was provided by a grant from KDLA.

Exterior | Children's Area |

In preparation for the library's 100th anniversary, Henderson County has thoroughly renovated their original Carnegie building. Renovations included re-roofing the dome, restoring paintings & stained glass inside the dome, and restoring the original brass light fixtures.

Dome Paintings | Exterior

Kenton County opened the new Erlanger Branch in September 2002. The new 34,000 sf building cost $7,000,000. Its many features include a colorful children's room and children's program room, a computer lab, meeting rooms and a drive-up window.

Exterior | Children's Room | Erlanger Fountain

Knott County opened their new 6,400 sf library in September 2003. The libraries features include a children's area and a public computing area. It is located in the Knott County Opportunity Center which also houses the Hindman Branch of the Hazard Community and Technical College.

Exterior | Computer Area |

The Laurel County Public Library is located in a 27,100 square foot building completed in May, 2003. Special features include an expanded children’s area, a peaceful reading garden, a drive through check out window, 40 public access computers and an extensive local history collection. Over 15,000 people visit the library each month. Since moving into the new facility, attendance has more than doubled. The library is located at 120 CollegePark Drive in London adjacent Kentucky 192.

Exterior | Reading Area

Menifee County opened their new 9,500 sf library in October 2003. It features a children's area, community meeting room, and a beautiful view of the woods behind the library. Most of the $1,400,000 cost was paid for by a grant from KDLA.

Exterior | Reading Area |

The expanded 7,000 sf library re-opened in October 2003 and features a children's area and community meeting room. Most of the $700,000 cost was paid for by a grant from KDLA.

Exterior | Children's Room |

The new 15,000 sf library occupies the first floor of UK's Morgan County Regional Technology Center. It opened in November 2003 and features a children's area, technology lab, and large meeting room. Most of the $2,200,000 cost was paid for by a grant from KDLA.

Exterior | Children's Area |

The newly expanded Elkhorn City branch opened in Septmber of 2003. This addition doubled their size, taking them to 14,000 sf. The expanded library features an enlarged meeting room, more collection space, an enlarged children's area, and seating with a beautiful view of the mountains.

Exterior General Collection Room

The new 2,200 sf Shopville Branch expands library service to a new part of Pulaski County. It opened in March 2003 and features a children's area and community meeting room. Part of the $275,000 cost was paid for by a grant from KDLA.

Reader's Sitting Area | Exterior | Children's Area

Robertson County opened their new 5,300 sf library in March 2003. KDLA's Public Library Facility Construction fund helped cover the $800,000 cost. Highlights of the building include the "Teen Zone" with furnishings and materials of special interest to young adults and a gazebo which will serve as a base for community events.

Exterior | Teen Area |

The new 7,100 sf library opened in October 2003 and features a children's area and community meeting room. Part of the $1,000,000 cost was paid for by a grant from KDLA.

Local History Room | Exterior

If you have questions regarding public library construction grants, call (502) 564-8300, ext. 213 or contact Chris Bischoff by email at chris.bischoff@ky.gov.