Louisville, Kentucky, January 6, 2026
Louisville’s public libraries have successfully raised over $830,000 through the community matching campaign, ‘Metro’s Million Dollar Match.’ The funds will be used to enhance resources and services, adding 130,000 new books and materials while reducing wait times. This initiative reflects strong community support and is part of a larger capital campaign to renovate library branches and improve accessibility.
Louisville, Kentucky
Community Raises Over $830,000 for Louisville Libraries Through Matching Campaign
Louisville’s public libraries have successfully raised over $830,000 through a community matching campaign, significantly enhancing their resources and services.
The campaign, known as Metro’s “Million Dollar Match,” was designed to double community donations for books and materials across the Louisville Free Public Library (LFPL) system. A recent $100,000 donation from the Friends of the Louisville Free Public Library Branch contributed to surpassing the $830,000 mark. This initiative aims to expand the library’s collection and improve accessibility for residents.
As a result of the campaign, the LFPL system has added 130,000 new books and materials, reducing wait times for popular titles. For instance, the wait for print books has decreased from 15 weeks to 12 weeks, and e-book and audiobook waits have dropped from 30 weeks to 18 weeks. These improvements reflect the community’s strong support for its libraries and the effectiveness of the matching campaign in enhancing library services.
The funds raised are part of the broader “One Library, One Louisville” capital campaign, which includes major renovations and expansions of several library branches. The Parkland Library reopened in February 2025 after a $6.6 million renovation, and the Portland Library is undergoing an $8.7 million renovation to improve accessibility and expand its collection. Additionally, the Main Library is undergoing a multi-million-dollar renovation to honor its historic roots and expand its role as one of the state’s busiest libraries. These efforts aim to create vibrant hubs for learning, creativity, and community engagement across Louisville.
Key Features of the Louisville Library Campaign
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Campaign Name | Metro’s “Million Dollar Match” |
| Total Funds Raised | Over $830,000 |
| Number of New Books and Materials Added | 130,000 |
| Reduced Wait Times for Print Books | From 15 weeks to 12 weeks |
| Reduced Wait Times for E-books and Audiobooks | From 30 weeks to 18 weeks |
| Parkland Library Renovation Cost | $6.6 million |
| Portland Library Renovation Cost | $8.7 million |
| Main Library Renovation | Multi-million-dollar project to honor historic roots and expand services |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the “Million Dollar Match” campaign?
The “Million Dollar Match” campaign is an initiative designed to double community donations for books and materials across the Louisville Free Public Library system, aiming to enhance library resources and services.
How much has been raised through the campaign?
Over $830,000 has been raised through the campaign, significantly enhancing the resources and services of Louisville’s public libraries.
What improvements have been made to the library system?
The funds have been used to add 130,000 new books and materials to the LFPL system, reducing wait times for popular titles and improving accessibility for residents.
Which library branches are undergoing renovations?
The Parkland Library reopened in February 2025 after a $6.6 million renovation, and the Portland Library is undergoing an $8.7 million renovation to improve accessibility and expand its collection. Additionally, the Main Library is undergoing a multi-million-dollar renovation to honor its historic roots and expand its role as one of the state’s busiest libraries.
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