FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Mayor Greenberg and community leaders reopen historic Parkland Library nearly 40 years after closure

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (February 27, 2025) – After nearly four decades without a library in the Parkland neighborhood, Mayor Craig Greenberg, Louisville Free Public Library (LFPL) Director Lee Burchfield, and other community leaders welcomed the public back into the Parkland Library following a $6.6 million renovation and expansion of the historic building.

“The reopening of the Parkland Library is truly a celebration for the people of Parkland,” said Mayor Greenberg. “This library is a testament to what a community can do when we work together. Parkland lost a neighborhood cornerstone when the library closed, and I made it a priority to make the renovations a reality because people in Parkland deserve this safe space for people to gather, learn, and access programming that will continue moving our community forward. This investment adds to the momentum we’re seeing in Parkland and across our city that will benefit the people of Louisville for generations to come.”

Located at the corner of 28th St. and Virginia Ave., the Parkland Library originally opened in 1908 and was one of the original nine libraries built in Louisville with funding from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. The branch closed as a library in December 1986 due to budget cuts. Through nearly a decade of grassroots advocacy from residents of Parkland and the Friends of the Parkland Library, community leaders announced in 2022 that the Parkland Library would be restored, but when Mayor Greenberg was elected, he provided funding in the budget to make the project a reality.

“I have passionately advocated for this library for more than five, and I want to thank Mayor Greenberg for collaborating with me and so many others to bring this project to life,” said Councilwoman Tammy Hawkins. “This is more than just an exciting achievement — it’s a true blessing for our community. The grand reopening of the Parkland Library marks a full-circle moment for many of us, and I am deeply grateful for the dedication and hard work that made this day possible. I look forward to exploring our newly renovated library, but even more so, I’m excited about the opportunities and access it will provide for everyone in our community.”

The Parkland Library project included a renovation of the original 6,000-square-foot library, as well as a modern 3,000-square-foot addition to the rear of the building. The modern, fully accessible facility returns a full array of library services to the nearly 5,000 residents of the Parkland neighborhood. Amenities include more than 17,000 books and other materials, computers and printing services, public meeting room space, a hands-on makerspace, and free programming for all ages.

“The Parkland Library’s reopening is a dream come true,” said Library Director Lee Burchfield. “That dream started with a small group of interested citizens who worked tirelessly to make it happen. It grew and became a reality through the support of elected officials, supporters, donors, and countless community members. Congratulations to everyone involved and thank you for your belief in libraries and the improvements they bring to our community.”

The design team for the Parkland Library project included JRA Architects of Louisville, MKSK of Ohio, and LFPL staff. Sullivan & Cozart managed the construction project. The library project was paid for with funds allocated by Mayor Greenberg and Louisville Metro Government through capital and American Rescue Plan funds, with additional funding for books, furnishings, and other materials raised through the Louisville Free Public Library Foundation’s One Library One Louisville Capital Campaign.

“The Library Foundation is inspired by the passion and generosity of our neighbors as they help write the next chapter of our public library system. More than 300 community members have contributed to reopening the Parkland Library and expanding our library’s reach in Fern Creek, Portland, and at the Main Library in the heart of downtown,” said Library Foundation Executive Director Chandra Gordon.

Parkland Library Family Fun Day
The Parkland Library Grand Reopening celebration continues with Family Fun Day on Saturday, March 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Families can enjoy free activities and performances from the American Printing House for the Blind, the Louisville Water Company and Tapper, Mr. Moustache’s Magic Show, musicians from the West Louisville Talent Education Center, the bubble car, and more! For more information, visit LFPL.org, or call (502) 574-1832.

If you visit the Parkland Library
The hours of operation are Monday–Thursday: 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. The library hosts a variety of free programs, classes, and events every month for adults and youth including weekly story times, computer classes, and makerspace programs. Search the library’s online calendar at LFPL.org/events for a complete list of upcoming program dates and times. In addition, meeting rooms are available for use by community groups and organizations for free, but reservations are required. For more information, call (502) 574-1832 or visit LFPL.org/meeting-rooms.htm.

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Louisville Free Public Library connects the residents of Louisville and Jefferson County to knowledge and information at our library locations and on the web at LFPL.org. Come on in, the whole world’s inside.