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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.
Our commitment to listening, learning and changing is ongoing and our work is never complete. We affirm that we achieve more together because of our differences, not despite them. When all voices are heard, we are stronger.
See what's currently on display at our art galleries.
Discover early 19th-century Lexington in this four-panel traveling exhibit created by the Mary Todd Lincoln House. Images and text illustrate city life, the economy, schools and churches, and arts and leisure during the years Mary Todd lived in Lexington (1818-1839). Text is written for ages 12-up. Free.
Find out what's happening at our locations. Browse upcoming events and discover our dedicated learning spaces. Reserve a meeting room. Explore our galleries and special collections.
Discover unique resources in our Digital Archives that tell the story of Fayette County. Visit cemeteries throughout Central Kentucky using our cemetery maps. Contact our resident experts in the Central Library's Kentucky Room with questions. The Lexington Public Library is a FamilySearch Affiliate Library.
Join us in celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month throughout May. Discover reading recommendations, special free events, view the Central Library gallery exhibit, and more!
The Undesign the Redline project unearths the deep and systemic history of structural racism and inequality in the United States. This interactive exhibit explores policies like Redlining, their implications for today, and what we can do to undesign them.
The exhibit was created by social impact design studio designing the WE and has been invited to dozens of cities across the country. A local advisory group has helped to produce local history and stories about Redlining in Lexington.
The Lexington Public Library has made an effort to ensure that all of our digital collections are public domain, or that we have gotten approval from the copyright holders to display their work. Most - but not all - of these collections, to the best of our knowledge, have no known US copyright restrictions. Some items in the collection are under copyright but qualify for online display by libraries under Section 108(h) of United States Copyright Law. Some of the collections provided in the Library's Digital Archives are made available under an assertion of fair use, which does not necessarily apply to an individual's use of them.
Meet the Lexington Public Library's Board, Administrative Team, and Leadership Team. Apply to work or volunteer at the library.
This is your gateway to our most popular resources. Search for books and eBooks, access tools for research and learning, and discover our unique collection of genealogy and local history materials.
Learning doesn’t stop at the end of the school day. The Lexington Public Library is here to support your education at every level, from birth through college, with skill-building tools, live tutoring, standardized test prep, after-school programs, and more.
Have a question? Ask us! You can contact us via email, phone, chat, or text. Book a librarian for one-on-one help. Suggest a purchase to help us improve our collection.
Celebrate Lexington, Kentucky’s 250th anniversary all year long. Join us for programs, galleries, podcasts, and more highlighting our city’s history, heritage, and legacy.
Daniel Graham will discuss his work currently on exhibit at the Central Library Gallery: Blurring the Lines: Musical Instruments by Daniel Graham.
Let's explore how our senses affect our eating experience and discuss some activities that allow us to have playful experiences with food. Parents, caregivers, and children are invited to join the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service to learn how using our senses can make eating a more enjoyable experience. Registration is recommended but not required.
Daniel Graham will discuss his work currently on exhibit at the Central Library Gallery: Blurring the Lines: Musical Instruments by Daniel Graham.
An exhibit of reproduction uniforms and clothing worn during the American Revolution, including those of men, women, and children, combined with prints, maps, flags, objects, and text telling the stories of their wartime experiences. Organized and created by the Transylvania Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.