Contenido en español
How do I...?
Check Your Account

Central Library

Central Library Address
140 East Main Street
Lexington, KY 40507
map/driving directions

Phone Numbers
Conference Rooms (859) 231-5504
Friends Book Cellar (859) 231-5505
General (859) 231-5530
Kentucky Room (859) 231-5523
Telephone Reference (859) 231-5520
more contact information

Hours
Sunday 1 pm - 5 pm
Monday 9 am - 9 pm
Tuesday 9 am - 9 pm
Wednesday 9 am - 9 pm
Thursday 9 am - 9 pm
Friday 9 am - 5 pm
Saturday 9 am - 5 pm
Transportation
Three hours of free parking in Lexington Public Library Parking Garage with ticket validated inside Central Library; served by all LexTran routes via Transit Center on Vine Street.

Special Features
  • Foucault pendulum and world’s largest ceiling clock
  • Equine frieze by Adalin Wichman
  • Kentucky Woodlands, mural by Lori James
  • Computer Center
  • Kentucky Room
  • Central Library Gallery
  • 144-seat theater
  • Friends Book Cellar
About the Building
  • Square Footage: 110,400
  • Year Built: 1987
  • Year of Major Renovation: N/A
  • Size of Lot: 131 ft 4 in X 129 ft 8 in
  • Architect: Sherman Carter Barnhart
  • Parking Spaces: 423
  • Interior Designer: Sherman Carter Barnhart
  • Size of Community Room(s): 8,160 sq ft
  • Floors: 5

Upcoming programs at Central Library

Paws to Read
May 10, 2008; 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Dogs are great listeners. Have fun and improve your reading skills by reading to a real-live licensed therapy dog.
8-14 years, reservations required - (859) 231-5530

Happy Mother’s Day
May 10, 2008; 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Want to make something special for your mom? Join us to make homemade cards and tissue paper flower bouquets for that one-of-a-kind, special woman in our lives.
4 and up, reservations required - (859) 231-5530

How Does Your Garden Grow?
May 21, 2008; 10:30 AM
Join us for a special preschool story time. We’ll read stories and plant a garden for our story room. Wear dirt-friendly clothes!
3-5 years, reservations required - (859) 231-5530

Movies on the Big Screen: Ratatouille
May 24, 2008; 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Remy the rat teams up with a clueless scullery boy in the kitchen to whip up some wonderful recipes. Rated G.
All Ages

Don’t Let the Bugs Out
June 02, 2008; 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Join us for a house warming for the library’s new friends from Madagascar and pick up your summer reading logs.
All Ages

Movies on the Big Screen: A Bug’s Life
June 02, 2008; 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
A Disney-Pixar animated family film. Rated G. 95 minutes.
All Ages

Summer Reading Kickoff With The Deedle Deedle Dees/Inauguración del Programa de Lectura de Verano con los Deedle Deedle Dees
June 03, 2008; 10:00 AM
Have a foot-stomping, hand-clapping good time as you sing along with this great kid’s band. A great time to sign up for summer reading and get a balloon.
4 and up, reservations required - (859) 231-5530

Library Ant-ics: Lucky Ladybug Necklaces
June 05, 2008; 2:00 PM
Enjoy creating, acting, and great stories? Join us each Thursday for wonderful tales, fun games, great art, and more.
7 and up, reservations required - (859) 231-5530

Father’s Day Celebration
June 07, 2008; 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Join us as we celebrate the special men in our lives by reading stories and making them homemade cards.
6 and up, reservations required - (859) 231-5530

Movies on the Big Screen: James and the Giant Peach
June 09, 2008; 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Based on the book by Roald Dahl. Rated PG. 79 minutes.
All Ages

Sadie’s Spectacular Saturday/El Espectacular Sábado de Sadie
June 12, 2008; 10:00 AM
Bright Star Theatre presents the funny tale of a caterpillar that turns over a new leaf when she attends a new school with a ladybug, cockroach, and sunflower as classmates.
5 and up, reservations required - (859) 231-5530

Library Ant-ics: 6 legs or 8? A Spider and Fly Board Game
June 12, 2008; 2:00 PM
Enjoy creating, acting, and great stories? Join us each Thursday for wonderful tales, fun games, great art, and more.
7 and up, reservations required - (859) 231-5530

Paws to Read
June 14, 2008; 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Dogs are great listeners. Have fun and improve your reading skills by reading to a real-live licensed therapy dog.
8-14 years, reservations required - (859) 231-5530

Summertime Magic/Magia de Verano
June 16, 2008; 10:00 AM
Magician Doug Doolin will enchant children with his amazing magic tricks.
5 and up, reservations required - (859) 231-5530

Movies on the Big Screen: Charlotte’s Web
June 16, 2008; 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
The 2006 live-action version of E.B. White’s famous story. Rated G. 96 minutes.
All Ages

The Potters of Ecuador/Los Alfareros de Ecuador
June 18, 2008; 2:00 PM
Ecuadorian potters will demonstrate how pottery is made and painted. This is a rare opportunity for the entire family to learn more about the art and daily life in the small villages of Ecuador.
6 and up, reservations required - (859) 231-5530

Library Ant-ics: Yoga with Delia
June 19, 2008; 2:00 PM
Enjoy creating, acting, and great stories? Join us each Thursday for wonderful tales, fun games, great art, and more.
7 and up, reservations required - (859) 231-5530

The Ancient Art of Boat Building: Gallery Hop
June 20, 2008; 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Exhibit runs from May 24 through June 22 and features photography by Isaac Bingham.
All Ages

Scarecrow Stories
June 21, 2008; 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Hear stories about scarecrows, and make one for your own garden.
All Ages

Movies on the Big Screen: The Ant Bully
June 23, 2008; 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
A boy gets a different view of the world when he’s shrunk down to the size of an ant. Rated PG. 89 minutes.
All Ages

Library Ant-ics: Worm Races! Bring Your Earthworm out for the Big Race
June 26, 2008; 2:00 PM
Enjoy creating, acting, and great stories? Join us each Thursday for wonderful tales, fun games, great art, and more.
7 and up, reservations required - (859) 231-5530

The Art of Africa: Reception
June 27, 2008; 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Exhibit runs from June 28 through August 3.
All Ages

Movies on the Big Screen: The Rookie
June 30, 2008; 1:30 PM - 3:45 PM
A 2002 Disney family film for baseball fans and everyone else, too. Rated G. 127 minutes.
All Ages

The Plant That Eats Bugs!: The Venus Flytrap/¡La Planta que Come Insectos!
July 01, 2008; 11:00 AM
How about a nice juciy fly for lunch and a crunchy cricket for supper? Those are typical meals for the Venus Flytrap. Learn about this fascinating plant and make a Venus Flytrap puppet to take home. Presented by the University of Kentucky/Lexington-Fayette County Arboretum.
6 and up, reservations required - (859) 231-5530

Puppet Show: Martina the Cockroach/Espectáculo de Títeres: La Cucaracha Martina
July 02, 2008; 10:30 AM
The Library Puppeteers present this familiar folktale of true love and cockroaches.
All Ages, reservations required - (859) 231-5530

Library Ant-ics: Actors Needed! An Afternoon of Readers’ Theater
July 03, 2008; 2:00 PM
Enjoy creating, acting, and great stories? Join us each Thursday for wonderful tales, fun games, great art, and more.
7 and up, reservations required - (859) 231-5530

Old Time Afternoon at the Movies: Treasure Island
July 05, 2008; 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
A cartoon, a newsreel, and a feature film--just like back in the day. Fun for the family. Rated for all audiences.
All Ages

Movies on the Big Screen: How to Eat Fried Worms
July 07, 2008; 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Based on the popular book by Thomas Rockwell. Rated PG. 84 minutes.
All Ages

Instrument Petting Zoo/Zoológico de Instrumentos Musicales
July 08, 2008; 10:00 AM
Members of the Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra will let children discover the thrill of playing real musical instruments.
5-12 years, reservations required - (859) 231-5530

Library Ant-ics: Backyard Critters: Stories and Fun
July 10, 2008; 2:00 PM
Enjoy creating, acting, and great stories? Join us each Thursday for wonderful tales, fun games, great art, and more.
7 and up, reservations required - (859) 231-5530

Paws to Read
July 12, 2008; 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Dogs are great listeners. Have fun and improve your reading skills by reading to a real-live licensed therapy dog.
8-14 years, reservations required - (859) 231-5530

Movies on the Big Screen: The Love Bug
July 14, 2008; 1:30 PM - 3:45 PM
The original VW Bug movie from 1968. Rated G. 108 minutes.
All Ages

Stonecarving for Kids/Talladura en Piedra para Niños
July 15, 2008; 10:00 AM
Back by popular demand, this hands-on program teaches children how to create beautiful stone sculpture.
6 and up, reservations required - (859) 231-5530

Library Ant-ics: Weavers and Looms: Weave a Pouch
July 17, 2008; 2:00 PM
Enjoy creating, acting, and great stories? Join us each Thursday for wonderful tales, fun games, great art, and more.
7 and up, reservations required - (859) 231-5530

Curious About Caterpillars
July 19, 2008; 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Read books about caterpillars and make an especially “buggy" craft.
All Ages, reservations required - (859) 231-5530

Insects: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly/Insectos
July 21, 2008; 1:00 PM
Martha Lutz will showcase insects of all shapes, sizes, and colors.
5 and up, reservations required - (859) 231-5530

Movies on the Big Screen: Them!
July 22, 2008; 1:30 PM - 3:15 PM
The original 1954 sci-fi classic about giant ants. 92 minutes. Not rated.
All Ages

Library Ant-ics: Bottle Bug: Stories and Craft
July 24, 2008; 2:00 PM
Enjoy creating, acting, and great stories? Join us each Thursday for wonderful tales, fun games, great art, and more.
7 and up, reservations required - (859) 231-5530

Meet the Ants: Snug as a Bug
July 26, 2008; 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Read about ants in a colony and make an ant nest out of modeling clay.
4 and up

Meet Daisy the Pig/Conoce a la Puerquita Daisy
July 28, 2008; 10:00 AM
What better way to wrap up summer reading than sharing stories with Farmer Minor and his pot-bellied pig Daisy. She loves to listen to stories, ride in her stroller, and pose for pictures, so be sure to bring your camera.
All Ages, reservations required - (859) 231-5530

Movies on the Big Screen: Labyrinth
July 28, 2008; 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
The Jim Henson fantasy from 1986 starring Jennifer Connolly in one of her earliest films. Rated PG. 102 minutes.
All Ages

Bug Out
July 31, 2008; 2:00 PM
Celebrate the end of summer reading with stories and activities. Remember to turn in your summer reading form, too.
All Ages, reservations required - (859) 231-5530

Storytimes/Regular Programs

There are no storytimes currently scheduled. The next session begins June 01, 2008.

Computer Classes

Computer Basics
May 24, 2008; 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
This class is for the beginner. It will introduce the basic parts of a computer, how to use a mouse, and the Windows desktop. No computer experience necessary.This class is for the beginner. It will introduce the basic parts of a computer, how to use a mouse, and the Windows desktop. No computer experience necessary.

Windows Basics
May 19, 2008; 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Learn the essentials of the Windows operating system, including the desktop, standard Windows program functions, and file management. Required prerequisite: Computer Basics class or familiarity with the Windows desktop.

Microsoft Word: Level 1
May 13, 2008; 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
May 21, 2008; 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Learn the basics of word processing including creating, formatting, and printing a simple document. Required prerequisite: Windows Basics class or familiarity with the Windows desktop.

Microsoft Word: Level 2
May 14, 2008; 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
May 22, 2008; 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Learn more advanced word processing skills including tables, bulleted and numbered lists, cut/copy/paste functions, headers and footers. Required prerequisite: Microsoft Word Level 1 class or experience using Word.

Microsoft Word: Level 3
May 12, 2008; 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
May 23, 2008; 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Learn how to use the drawing toolbar to add graphic elements to your Word document. Required prerequisite: Microsoft Word Level 2 class or experience using Word.

Microsoft Publisher: Level 1
May 15, 2008; 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
This class illustrates the many uses for this popular desktop publishing program. Create greeting cards and a simple newsletter. Required prerequisite: Microsoft Word Level 3 class or experience with the Drawing Toolbar within Word.

Microsoft Publisher: Level 2
May 16, 2008; 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
May 29, 2008; 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
An introduction to using this popular desktop publishing program. Create a flyer, greeting card, and business card. Required prerequisite: Word Level 3 class or experience using the Drawing Toolbar within Word.

Resume Writing
May 17, 2008; 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
This class illustrates how to use Microsoft Word to develop or update a resume. Students should come prepared with resume information including previous employment history and references. Required prerequisite: Microsoft Word 2000 Level 2 class or ability to cut/copy/paste with ease.

Microsoft Excel: Level 1
May 09, 2008; 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
May 12, 2008; 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
May 28, 2008; 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
This class introduces the basic functions and uses of a spreadsheet program. Create a simple electronic checkbook. Required prerequisite: Microsoft Word Level 2 class or ability to create and manipulate tables within Word with ease.

Microsoft Excel: Level 2
May 10, 2008; 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
May 14, 2008; 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Learn more advanced functions and features for manipulating spreadsheets. Required prerequisite: Microsoft Excel Level 1 class or ability to create and use spreadsheets with ease. Required prerequisite: Microsoft Excel Level 1 class or ability to create and use spreadsheets with ease.

Microsoft Powerpoint: Level 1
May 20, 2008; 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
May 28, 2008; 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
This class introduces the basic functions and uses of a presentation program. Create a simple slideshow presentation. Required prerequisite: Microsoft Word Level 3 class or experience with the Drawing Toolbar within Word.

Microsoft Powerpoint: Level 2
May 30, 2008; 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Learn more advanced strategies for controlling and customizing your presentation, including tables, charts, and custom animation. Required prerequisite: Microsoft PowerPoint Level 1 class or experience creating slide shows within PowerPoint.

Digital Photography for Beginners
May 19, 2008; 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Enter the world of digital photography! Includes demonstrations of how a digital camera and scanner work, plus hands-on experience editing digital pictures with Adobe Photoshop Elements. Required prerequisite: Microsoft Word Level 3 class or experience with the Drawing Toolbar within Word.

Open Lab
May 21, 2008; 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Practice skills learned in class with an instructor present! Please come with specific questions related to class subjects and material. First come, first served. No registration required.