The Kentucky Room, part of the Reference Department on the third floor of the Central Library, contains a wealth of information about Kentucky and Fayette County. The collection features an excellent group of general interest books on all aspects of Kentucky, subject files on Kentucky and Lexington, county histories, family histories, local newspapers, maps, and state and local government documents.

• Local History Index
  The Lexington Public Library's Local History Index is a very selective index to newspaper articles pertaining to significant people, places, events, churches, businesses and organizations in Lexington and Fayette County. In recent years some articles relating to key issues in the state of Kentucky, such as strip mining, hazardous waste and state government have been included as well.

The Kentucky Room contains many items of interest to genealogists, especially those researching Fayette County families. A list of important resources may be found in Resources for Genealogists.

Physical Documents

The Kentucky Room collection frequently benefits from thoughtful gifts. Published family histories, Lexington telephone directories and city directories dating prior to 1976, and both new and out-of-print books are extremely welcome additions to the Kentucky Room Collection.

Photocopying Kentucky Room Materials

A photocopier is available for patrons using Kentucky Room materials. Rare and fragile items in the Kentucky Room may not be photocopied. Library patrons are responsible for observing posted copyright warnings. Because the Kentucky Room collection is for reference use only, materials may not leave the Kentucky Room or the Central Library.

Current prices for photocopies are:

• 15 Cents per page for photocopies
• 20 Cents per page for microfilm reader-printer copies

Lexington Public Library’s Kentucky Room is partnering with institutions throughout central Kentucky to provide online access to digital collections. The Kentuckiana Digital Library, part of the Kentucky Virtual Library, has been a model for Kentucky and the nation in making digital collections available. Select a collection below and check back in the future to see what new Lexington Public Library resources are added.