Louisville Free Public Library Review

The library was beautiful, well taken care of and offers a large variety of books and ebooks. They offer a lot if activities for families and kids.

The main library is so amazing. It smells of stories and adventure.

good selection of books and other media but way too many homeless people hang out there and security guards like to harass normal patrons as well...I only go there when absolutely necessary

Great staff. Free WiFi. You can bring your own laptop or phone for the WiFi, or use one of theirs. You will need a library card to use one of their laptop or computer. They have a children's room if you have little ones.

Great service to the community. They offer free wifi, laptops, computer use, art exhibits, children's area, meeting area, educational meetings, and much more.
Security can be a tad bit "overbearing" due to interactions with a large amount of homeless who converge there to use restrooms. However, there is no substitute for professionalism and a well placed "ma'am" or "sir".

Huge selection of books, as you might expect at a library, with great staff who offer many learning opportunities.

Went here for the first time today. I grew up in a small town in Wisconsin and the library there was like a cardboard box compared to this place. It is MASSIVE. I was extremely overwhelmed. They have a section for everything you could think of. Any book you could possibly want, they have it. Sucks that there isnt free parking, but I know that wouldnt work in the heart of the city. This library is incredible and I will be spending many hours in here.

An emphasis on reading and education (not on media other than the written word), helpful and friendly staff, displays that look like a bookstore, buckets of useful and enjoyable free services. This library is the sign of a civilised society.

As for Jeremy's comments about homeless people: yes, there are a number of people in the library who appear to be homeless. Most of them are reading quietly. I have zero problem with this. The only thing I have a problem with is Jeremy contrasting "homeless" with "normal".

Libraries are for all of us, not just for those of us with homes.

Great Library for a somewhat large city and the homeless aren't as bad as say .. Austin TX

Not the best library, but only because of the homeless that use it as a hangout

A perfect place to get away and lose yourself in a good book. .

Historic building, free WiFi, helpful staff, thousands of books.

Of all the libraries in Louisville, this is the one which has the most likelihood to have whatever it is I'm currently looking for. They've got extensive collections of CDs as well as books and records. Whenever I used to have to order a book at my old library's location, they'd order it from this one; the main one. The building is so vast that it echoes, and made of ancient, gorgeous stone.

It's in an area that is a little dangerous and desperate, so I always watch everyone carefully. But other reviewers mentioned prostitutes and I have been there dozens of times and never met even one? I am appalled by the lack of humanity from other reviewers on here; homeless people are not somehow inanimate, distasteful lawn fixtures to be complained about, worthy of down-rating the place they've chosen to try to survive near. None of them have ever even approached me, much less been trouble; the library is a temperature-controlled, public place.

As to the people working there, they've always been very cordial. They don't make exceptions, if you don't receive their emails and thus return your items late; I ended up paying quite a lot in the discovery that I shouldn't rely upon their emails. But the library staff have always been quite helpful. Apparently the library also has a 3D printer, although I'm unsure if it works.

I love the LFPL, I have been coming here since I was a kid! I am always able to use the computers, resources and receive assistance when needed and they are very hospitable to the less fortunate and homeless-I have always loved this location!

This is such a huge library. I never have to wait in line for a computer or to check out books. They have mega staff on hand. I love the safty with the security officers, cameras and thick doors. I've had my purse stolen at the Hillview library however I'm certain that, won't happen here. Plus, it's always clean.

The old part of the Library is Beautiful! The space is open and welcoming. If you cant make it down there I recommend checking out their website which has free online books for patrons. Libraries are important to our future and our communities.

The library staff was very unhelpful and on the verge of being rude. Took 35 students to the library to get a library card and was told since we were from Louisville yet we weren t from Jefferson County then we would have to pay $25 for each of the students to get a FREE library card, so why not just change the name to Jefferson County Free Public Library. The fact of the matter was she didn t want our students there and made it impossible for them to do what they needed to do so we wasted a day, gas and a bunch of time. The ladies name is Tracy and she like I said was unhelpful and rude. But the rest of the staff seemed willing to help but she would not allow them. Was it because we had a group of minority students??!

The worst people working there with the ugliest faces and girth that you wouldn't believe. Library always stinking. And the worst service ever! Rude and no hospitality at all!

The library takes up half a block which is what you would expect from a big city library. However the address is listed as York which is not a conttinous street and changes names several times. Why not use 750 south 3rd which would allow any one to find the library without a detailed map. Louisville is jammed with traffic I outraced an ambulance for 3 miles on my bicycle. Does the city really need people driving around looking for things?

What a beautiful library. An amazing structure filled with wonderful books and services.

This WAS the best library in the area, including across the bridge. NOW it's a pitiful reminder of what once was. They have three floors of books including the basement teen zone. The teen zone is open for like 3 hours a day, the third floor with the best study materials is blocked by security and only staff can enter so you'd better find what you need elsewhere. The main floor is all that is open most of the time, there's never anywhere to work or read quietly because all of their sitting space is elbow-to-elbow along the walls and now the selection is much smaller since they had to cram some of the informational books down there but still have a "nice" display of books on sale.
This used to be my favorite place in this smelly city, now it stank too.

Beautiful old part to the building and every free book you could want!

I wanted to love this place because I love libraries and reading books. I will definitely try coming back again but there was human feces outside, lots of urine smells and disturbing images around the building. I know we can t do much about the downtown homelessness surrounding the library but it s off putting. I did really enjoy going through the KY archives upstairs. Like I said, I am willing to give the LFPL another try.

Always a peace full environment with more polite people

This location isn't as updated as some other locations, but that does give it some charm that feels like a more traditional library. It has a good selection and lots of programs. I love that the children's area is a separate room. It can be hard for my son to keep his library voice!

WiFi worked great, but outlets were in short supply.

Beautiful lobby, excellent place to study. Friendly staff and lots of space.

Support libraries! This is a beautiful location and is worth checking out, historic!

An emphasis on reading and education (not on media other than the written word), helpful and friendly staff, displays that look like a bookstore, buckets of useful and enjoyable free services. This library is the sign of a civilised society.

As for Jeremy's comments about homeless people: yes, there are a number of people in the library who appear to be homeless. Most of them are reading quietly. I have zero problem with this. The only thing I have a problem with is Jeremy contrasting "homeless" with "normal".

Libraries are for all of us, not just for those of us with homes.

Great Library. Free Fax Services. Great Customer Service, Very helpful in computer lab. Need to update hours. Shows open today, however today is New Years Day and they are closed.

Free WiFi and ample computers for guests as well as members.

Helpful librarians and staff.

The library offers many programs in the world of books and outside books.

There are occasional fights at this location and the security are overworked. The workers are never at the desk when they should be to help people and get caught in personal conversations instead of working to help the computer users.

It's nice that AARP comes and does the taxes for free. Very convenient. Great to have a library close by.

Nice
Uninformative

I have been to the library many times .

I HAVE BEEN READING THE BOOK ( THE DARK POND )

I QUIT smoking marijuana and it has been 25 month's so far.
i'm 34 ...

I have not accomplished sh' in my life ...
I am now starting to do something with my life ...
I am going to become a cartoonist . There will only be one cartoon .

There have been people coming over and they will not know that my family is acting stupid on purpose to make fun of what i could be doing if i just knew what was going on .

My situation is fast. For some reason the people in it seem to be slow .
I am becoming something sexual for now on out .

I will be doing something .
I am already aware of this .

If someone is to ignorant; that has to be analyzed for Southern Playeristic.

Please be calm. She will be coming soon. it will be beautiful.

Will thing's go the way you planned ?
Tip ... ( do not plan anything ) ... ( you do ... ) !
History of the JINGA ! ~

~ Some people are ignorant ..... !
Qq ~

Great location and helpful staff. Has a wonderful childrens library and fun activities. I enjoy bringing my grandchildren here.

Exhibit of paintings from my country. The architecture is something to be marveled. They might want to keep up with their maintenance for some parts of the library.

It's pretty sad when you can't even get help from librarians. I asked for help finding a book and was told well if you can't find it there then I don't know what to tell you and walking off. Too busy talking and playing games to help

I find this library to be clean and comfortable. The staff is always polite and helpful. Some of those complaining about staff rudeness maybe were rude themselves.(I said SOME). Yes, the way homeless people can toilet around the library is disgusting, but unfortunately unless cops see them do it, nothing can be done, and even then it wouldn't stop them

The computers are fully occupied and need to expand to allow more users. I asked the clerks why "free" in the name of the library. Nobody can give an answer.

This location has the largest amount of the types of books I enjoy most (literary fiction).

No computers adults can use while the kids are using them in the kids section

Great services! Knowledgeable workers, friendly people, with a window to the world and what a view.

Check out the stained glass dome in the original part of the library, facing York.

I have had no issues with this library but they need to get rid of the dope pushers and pay more attention to what's going on in their establishment SECURITY! NEEDS TO DO THEIR JOB!!!

Have had mixed bag of experiences here ,some pleasant, & others, well ;-not so much.... Overall ,I loveee the library- ,to read ,surf Wi-Fi and get on computer ,&just simply socialize w;/others

Excellent concept. I never see this type of super duper library in the world. It s all free and you can utilize it for your personal growth. Very large collection of books, CD, DVD for educational programs. Excellent books for kids, toddlers, adults, seniors citizens. Regular culture program for kids. Multiple sessions for kids every week / weekends. Everything is free.

Best library around town. Have cool events. Great Liberians that greet you at the door. Cool teen section in the basement. Often have little displays in the hallway. Photos from local music night in January 2017

Three cheers for the Drag Queen storytellers! Can't wait till the next one!

I always am welcomed there by the staff and the security team is awesome there.

Have bad wifi for phones and no signal but wifi is great on their computers

Order books on website and schedule curbside pickup 9 am - 5 pm, Monday - Friday