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All databases are available from this page.
Stories of Lexington's history told through the Kentucky Room archives.
The Community Collections consist of objects shared from local community residents and organizations. Individuals have lent items of local significance to the library to give the larger community awareness and access.
Day 1 opens Friday with keynote speaker Patricia L. Hudson, author of Traces, a retelling of Daniel Boone's saga through the eyes of his wife, Rebecca, and their two oldest daughters, Susannah and Jemima.
Day 1 opens Friday with keynote speaker Patricia L. Hudson, author of Traces, a retelling of Daniel Boone's saga through the eyes of his wife, Rebecca, and their two oldest daughters, Susannah and Jemima.
Celebrate Lexington, Kentucky’s 250th anniversary this April with a full month dedicated to the history and heritage of music, poetry, and literature in and around Lexington with events hosted by the Lexington Public Library, the City of Lexington, 21c Museum and Hotel, the Carnegie Center for Literacy & Learning, Institute 193, and the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center.
This month's theme is American History. Pick any book you want that fits the theme and come discuss it with friends! Each month, we will discuss books in a different genre and everyone will talk about the book they chose to read. Spoilers may occur, so please be advised.
If you're not sure what to read, ask for a recommendation at the Beaumont Branch front desk.
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.
Wonderful podcasts and walking tours have been created by our staff. Please enjoy!
Help us make digital archives searchable, from anywhere.
Take a step into the past and see how Kentucky has changed through the lens of the Old State Capitol. Engage in a hands-on activity and experience writing with a quill and ink. Take on the role of a historian and analyze artifacts from the Kentucky Historical Society.
The library's second annual cooking show will feature Ilias Pappas of Athenian Grill (10 a.m.) and Babita Shrestha, author of Garden Exotica: International Plant-Based Fusion Cuisine (11 a.m.). Presented in partnership with Bites of the Bluegrass.
The library's second annual cooking show will feature Ilias Pappas of Athenian Grill (10 a.m.) and Babita Shrestha, author of Garden Exotica: International Plant-Based Fusion Cuisine (11 a.m.). Presented in partnership with Bites of the Bluegrass.
Celebrate National Poetry Month at LPL
The Lexington Public Library is celebrating National Poetry Month throughout April! Find reading recommendations, explore Lexington’s rich literary history, and discover fun ways to get involved.
Join us for Kentucky Legends: a series of programs exploring Kentucky culture, history, and lore. Programs include author visits, Chautauqua performances, live music, activities and crafts, and more.
Apply to be a presenter at the 2026 Kentucky History and Genealogy Conference.
Read articles from magazines and journals, learn a new language, or locate a newspaper article. These resources can't be found with a search engine but are available for free with your library card.
Throughout June, join us as we celebrate Pride Month with programs, books, podcasts, and more.
Together, we’ll enrich our Lexington Public Library for the next 230 years.
Tracing its history back to 1795, the Lexington Public Library is a gateway to knowledge, a bridge to opportunity, and a hub for community connection. The name of the society honors that legacy — when a small group of citizens came together to create something lasting for their community - a library positioned to evolve to meet the ever changing needs of our community.
Members of the 1795 Society are philanthropic leaders and dedicated library champions. Supporters make a three-year pledge of at least $1,000 per year - whether you are an individual donor interested in making an annual or monthly gift, you are making your estate plans, or you are a corporate partner looking to connect your organization to community impact, we invite you to join this legacy of connection, learning, and leadership in support of the public library!
Join the 1795 Society, a community who enable the Library’s critical work and build a legacy of learning, access and opportunity for generations to come.
Submit an application to participate as a vendor at the 2026 Kentucky History and Genealogy Conference.
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.
