Lexington Library

Genealogy & Local History

Kentucky Room

Kentucky Room logo

The Kentucky Room, located on the third floor of the Central Library, contains a wealth of information about Kentucky and Fayette County. The collection features books on all aspects of Kentucky, subject files on Kentucky and Lexington, local newspapers, city directories, maps, and state and local government documents, including select census and vital records. The Lexington Public Library is a FamilySearch Affiliate Library.

You can contact the Kentucky Room at 859-231-5500, ext. 1008, or by email with questions and specific information requests.

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Help us transcribe handwritten items in the Digital Archive!

Digital Archives

The Lexington Public Library’s Digital Archives provide open access to researchers and students to learn more about the rich history of Lexington and Fayette County. It contains a fraction of the Library’s physical holdings, which are housed and available for reference in the Kentucky Room at the Central Library. New material is being digitized and added constantly, so there's always something new to find.

Help transcribe handwritten items in the Digital Archive!

Library Resources

These services can be accessed for free with your library card.  Book a Librarian for a quick, one-on-one tutorial.

Walking Tours & Podcasts

Listen to our local history podcast, Tales from the Kentucky Room, or take a guided walking tour of Lexington areas and attractions.

Walking Tours Main List

Cemetery Maps

Created by the Lexington Public Library's Kentucky Room staff and powered by Google Maps.  Maps are available for Fayette and several surrounding counties.

Upcoming Events