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Browse
Browse

Catalog

eLibrary

Research & Learning

Genealogy & Local History
Spotlight

The digital library is always open.

Instantly borrow eBooks and audiobooks free with your library card — anytime, anywhere. Use the Libby app to create wish lists, get notified of new releases, and send eBooks straight to your tablet or Kindle.

Get started
Visit
Visit

Locations & Hours

Events

Learning Spaces

Northside Digital Studio

Central Kloiber Foundation STEAM Lab

Makerspaces

Meeting Rooms

Galleries & Exhibits
What's New

Your voice belongs here

Hit record in the new podcast studio — now open at the Northside Digital Studio! Whether you're just starting or leveling up, the space is ready for your voice.

Learn more
About
About

Vision, Mission, and Values

Library News

Our Team

Support Us

Policies

Requests for Proposals
Spotlight

Support your Lexington Public Library by donating today!

Everyone deserves a place to discover something new. The Lexington Public Library champions free and open access to information, offering a safe and welcoming space where neighbors can learn, create, and connect. Your support empowers a community engaged in lifelong discovery.

Donate Today
Services
Services

Reading Services

Students & Educators

Career & Job Resources

Entrepreneurship & Nonprofits

English Language Learning

Interlibrary Loans
Explore

Your next chapter starts here

Whether you’re into mysteries, memoirs, cookbooks, classics, or something in between, we’ve got a club for you. Choose from a variety of book clubs for different ages and interests or join us for a readers and writers event.

Find your group
Ask
Ask

Ask Us

Book a Librarian

Suggest a Purchase
Try Something New

Book-a-Librarian

Schedule a one-on-one consultation to learn library skills, get help with research and job searches, have a test proctored by one of our librarians, and more.

Book now

Celebrate Black History Month at LPL

Throughout February, join us as we celebrate Black history with programs, materials, podcasts, and more.

In Conversation with Frank X Walker

Join us for an evening with acclaimed poet, author, and educator Frank X Walker, a pioneer of the Affrilachian literary movement and former Kentucky Poet Laureate. This moderated discussion will explore Walker’s journey as a writer and his latest book, A Is for Affrilachia, a children’s book that celebrates people, physical spaces, and historical events relating to African American history in Appalachia.

Learn by Reading

Browse our catalog for books and other titles related to Black history and culture.

Search the catalog

Learn by Listening

Tune into our Tales from the Kentucky Room podcast as LPL librarians explore Black history in Lexington, spotlighting notable African American Kentuckians that have shaped politics, art, and culture.

Interested in taking a walking tour of African American heritage sites in downtown Lexington? Click here to download or listen to the tour.

Black Enclaves of Lexington

Brenna shares her research on three of Lexington’s Black enclaves, founded by formerly enslaved persons after the Civil War.

The 1964 March on Frankfort

Tales from the Kentucky Room host Mariam discusses the 1964 March on Frankfort with librarians Brenna and Heather.

The Tragic Life of Margaret Garner

Mariam discusses the life of Margaret Garner, whose story inspired the tragic events of Toni Morrison’s novel, Beloved.

Ruth Gaylord, LPL’s First African American Librarian

Mariam interviews Ruth Gaylord, Lexington Public Library’s first African American librarian.

Dr. Mary E. Britton

Brenna guest hosts to celebrate the life of Dr. Mary E. Britton, a passionate advocate for civil and women’s rights.

The Notable Kentucky African Americans Database

Mariam interviews Reinette Jones, founder of the Notable Kentucky African Americans database.

Kentucky Baseball

Mariam and Wayne discuss the rich history of baseball in Kentucky, beginning with the Civil War. Photo by James Crisp, courtesy of University of Kentucky Libraries’ ExploreUK digital archive.

Julia Perry, Composer

David Bryant talks about the life and work of Lexington-born African American composer Julia Perry.

Lexington's African American Heritage Walking Tour

Join us for a walking tour of Downtown Lexington’s African American Heritage Sites.

J. Alexander Chiles: The Fight Against KY’s Separate Coach Law

Mariam shares the history of Kentucky’s Separate Coach Law and Lexington’s second African American attorney, J. Alexander Chiles.

Quilting Kentucky's Stories

Jerry Meriwether joins LPL with a remembrance of his Honor Flight. Jerry is Co-Commander of the National Association for Black Veterans, an organization that advocates for veterans and their families.

Dolly Johnson Dandridge

J.P. Johnson guest hosts to celebrate the life of Dolly Johnson Dandridge, a Kentucky native who was the White House Chef for President Benjamin Harrison.

Pralltown

Mariam sits down with JP Johnson, Kentucky Room Librarian, to discuss his research into Pralltown, one of Lexington's best known Black Enclaves, and highlights famous residents.

Segregated Lexington

Mariam sits down with Rona Roberts and Barbara Sutherland to discuss their work on Segregated Lexington which shows how systemic racism in housing results in unequal life opportunities.