How do I

LFPL offers free library cards for those who qualify. To qualify, you must live, work, attend school, or own property in Jefferson County.

Patrons who do not qualify for a free card and live in one of the following counties may still obtain a paid card* at a cost of $35 per year:

Kentucky - Breckinridge, Bullitt, Carroll, Grayson, Hardin, Henry, Larue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, Trimble, or Washington.
Indiana - Clark, Crawford, Floyd, Harrison, Jefferson, Scott, or Washington

*The individual’s spouse and minor children may also use this card, but need to be named on the application.

To obtain a Library card:

• Step 1: Fill out the online application form.
• Step 2: Visit the library branch of your choice to pick up your new library card. You will need to present a photo ID or a piece of mail to verify your address. Questions? Call the Main Library’s Circulation Department at (502) 574-1760 (Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.).
• You may also visit any location to register for a new card in person, or to renew your current card.

Please note that some of our digital offerings request for a “PIN”, which will be the same as your LFPL password.

All library cards expire periodically so we can ensure the integrity of our database and meet our vendor requirements. Free library cards expire every 3 years, while paid cards expire annually. Student PowerPlus cards do not expire until the student's graduation.

To renew your card, click on the button below to verify your contact information.

The goal of reference and information staff at LFPL is to provide accurate, efficient, and pleasant customer service to our patrons. If you need help using the Library's computers, finding a particular item for checkout, or even if you just don't know where to start, we're here to help:

• In-person at all library locations
• By phone: (502) 574-1611, press '0'
• By email: Ask-A-Librarian
• Make an appointment: The Librarian Is In

Frequently Asked Reference Questions

If you don't find the answer to your question here, contact us.

How can I apply for a library card online?

Find out about eligibility and requirements.

How can I obtain local history and/or genealogical information if I live outside Jefferson County?

Visit our Kentucky History Room and Genealogy Collection page for information about our local history and genealogy collection. Staff are happy to help with any questions you may have and you can reach us via the Ask-A-Librarian form.

I would like to use the Courier-Journal for research. How can I access it?

LFPL offers cardholders access to the Courier-Journal online through the Research Tools page. You will need a valid library card and password to access the CJ outside of the library.

How do I reserve an item online?

1. Go to www.LFPL.org.
2. Click on "Library Catalog" near the top of the home page.
3. Type in the title, author, or subject that you are searching for and click the corresponding search button.
4. Scan the results list to find the correct item. Click on "Request Title" located above the title of the item you’re looking for.
5. Enter your library card number and password.
6. Fill out the information requested on "Submit Request to Louisville Free Public Library".
7. Choose the branch where you would like to pick up.
8. Click on "Submit Request".

How do I arrange a group outing or field trip to the Library?

Tours of the Main and branch libraries are offered year-round, and consist of an overall introduction to Library facilities and services.

Tours can be tailored as needed. For example, a tour for preschool and primary classes could include a storytime. Also, presentations on requested subjects such as an introduction to the Library's website in one of the computer labs can be included.

To provide new library cards at the time of the visit, application forms should be returned at least five days prior to the visit. We ask that teachers and adults accompany tours for children.

• Schedule a Main Library adult tour: (502) 574-1616
• Schedule a Main Children's Library tour for children: (502) 574-1620
• Schedule a tour of a branch library: (502) 574-1616

Please schedule tours at least one week in advance of a planned visit.

LFPL does not own the item that I’m looking for. How can I obtain a copy of this item?

You can submit a request either through our Interlibrary Loan Department or request that LFPL purchase the item using the Suggest-A-Purchase online form, calling (502) 574-1611, or asking in-person at any Library branch.

LFPL provides free access to the internet on computer workstations and Wi-Fi at every Library location. Visit the Computer Use page to review the Library's computer and internet guidelines or visit a branch to use a computer.

Faxing and printing services (including mobile printing) are also available at all Library branches. Find out more on the Printing & Faxing page.

Most Library branches have meeting rooms used primarily for branch meetings and events. These spaces are also available for public use by reservation.

Individuals, groups, or organizations can visit our Meeting Rooms page to review the rules and guidelines, and to reserve a meeting space (either online or via downloadable form).

Find more information on individual branch meeting rooms.

If you would like to propose a program or author event that is free of charge at the Library, please fill out the form below. All proposals will be evaluated based on availability, need, budgetary considerations, and how they support the Library's mission- to provide the people of Louisville and Jefferson County with the broadest possible access to knowledge, ideas and information, and to support them in their pursuit of learning.

Because of the volume of proposals the Library receives, only those selected will be contacted. Thank you for your interest in the Louisville Free Public Library.

The Library receives gently-used or new donated materials on behalf of the Friends of the Louisville Free Public Library. The Friends of the Library then allows the Library to select any items it needs to add to the collections at the Main and branch libraries. Materials not selected for the Library’s collection are then sold by the Friends at public sales.

Proceeds from the sale of donated materials support special Library activities including the Read With Me reading program for preschoolers, parents and caregivers and scholarships for library employees.

To join the Friends of the Library, call (502) 574-1648 or ask for membership information at any library.

You can drop donations off at any of our locations. For large donations, call the Main Library at (502) 574-1781 to make an appointment. If you would like a tax deduction slip, just ask one of the staff and they can assist you.  

We accept the following donations:

• Adult and Children's non-fiction books published within the last 5  years
• Unabridged audio books on CD or digital Playaway
• Current adult fiction books
• Current paperback books
• New and classic children's fiction books
• Music CDs
• Blu-Rays or DVDs

All materials must be in good condition.

What we cannot accept:

• Encyclopedias
• Textbooks
• Magazines of any kind
• Audio books on cassette tape
• VHS tapes
• Newspapers

The Library welcomes your suggestions and gives them serious consideration.

•    LFPL cardholders may submit up to THREE suggested published titles each month.
•    All suggestions must have been published within the last FIVE years.
•    Titles not yet published will not be considered.  
•    Any format - book, DVD, Blu Ray, large type, audiobook, eBook, or eAudio* - may be suggested.

* eBook and eAudiobook suggestions can also be made by using the “Notify Me” feature on Libby. (Note: many publishers, both large and small, do not sell eBooks and eAudios to libraries, and others do not have contracts with the providing vendor.)

How do I suggest a purchase?

First, check the LFPL catalog to see if the title is already available for checkout or reserve.

If the title is not available in the catalog, you can submit a request to purchase by clicking the button below, by telephone: (502) 574-1611, or in-person at any LFPL location:

How will I know if my suggestions will be purchased?

Staff are unable to provide notifications on purchasing decisions due to the volume of suggestions received. Check the LFPL catalog 2-6 weeks after your suggestion is submitted to see if suggested items have been added.

How does the Library decide whether or not to purchase suggested titles?

Suggested purchases are evaluated based on reviews, author and/or publisher reputation, and collection needs. Space and budget constraints may also factor into purchasing decisions.

I am an author/publisher and would like to add a book to your collection.

See Adding your book to the LFPL collection.

The library may be able to provide a guest speaker, or set up an information table for your local organization, class, or community event to present on various services, resources, and programs for all ages.

Please fill out the form below and we will contact you to let you know if we can accommodate your request. Please give as much advanced notice as possible. Please note that the library does not pay exhibitor fees for events.

Discover LFPL is the Library's bi-monthly newsletter and events calendar, distributed to all library locations. Visit www.lfpl.org/newsletter to view the current issue or to sign up for LFPL's eNewsletter.