WELCOME to the Shelby County Public Library

This historic Carnegie Library was constructed in 1903. Shelbyville was one of 1,419 communities to receive a $10,000 grant from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie to build a public library. To be eligible for the grant, communities had to demonstrate need for a public library, provide the land and pledge financial support for services and maintenance. Need was shown through the library first organized by the Woman’s Club which had a few book shelves and 200 books in the old fire station at Fountain Square, on the corner of Fifth and Main Streets. An old graveyard was chosen as the library site as the land had reverted back to the city after a church had relocated. The sum of $1,000 was pledged for the library’s yearly support.

There have been three additions to the original building, the most recent renovation and expansion project was completed in 1997. This project added a two-story addition of 7,880 sq.ft. to the south side of the building, which brings the total space of the building to 16,466 sq.ft. This new wing has been utilized for public use. The lower level houses the Children’s Services area with a storyhour room for programming. The main level of the library has the adult book collection, reference, audiovisual materials, magazines and newspapers. This area also includes the Kentucky Room for genealogical research and a separate Reading Room for leisure reading or study.