Crescent Hill Library
2762 Frankfort Ave., Louisville, Kentucky 40206 | (502) 574-1793
Map | History | Accessibility | Upcoming Programs | Volunteer | Meeting Room Request
The story room here is a child's paradise. The room's walls feature painted murals depicting characters from fairy tales. There's also a colorful castle in which children can play or listen to stories. (more...)
Hours
- Monday-Thursday 10am - 9pm
- Friday, Saturday 10am - 5pm
- Sunday Closed
Accessibility
Wheelchair ramps are accessible from the library's parking lot and Birchwood Ave. The ramp brings you to the back of the building with push button door access. The inside elevator can take you to the lower level of the building. Two accessible parking spots are available next to ramp in parking lot.
The library has Bluetooth beacons installed by American Printing House, a Braille printer, a computer with a large print keyboard, JAWS and software for people with visual impairments, and a SmartView document enlarger.
Directions
From downtown - If heading north toward Broadway via 2nd or 4th street, turn right (east) onto Broadway. Continue east on Broadway to Baxter Ave. Turn left on Baxter Ave. and go approximately two (2) blocks to the light at Payne St. Turn right on Payne St. and continue east until Payne meets Ewing (T-intersection). Turn left on Ewing and go one (1) block to the light at Frankfort Ave. Turn right (east) on Frankfort Ave. and go approximately 1/2 mile. The library branch (2762 Frankfort Ave.) is on the right just past Louisville Academy of Music and before Crescent Hill Baptist Church. Patrons may park in the parking lot on the west side of library.
From I-64 east - Go east on expressway to exit #8 (Grinstead Drive). Turn left at intersection light. Proceed on Grinstead until it dead ends at a stop sign and meets Stilz Ave. Turn left on Stilz Ave. and go one block to the light. Turn left on Frankfort Ave. (You are now in the 2900 block). The Library is located at 2762 Frankfort Ave, three blocks down. You will pass Crescent Ave., Kennedy Ave., and Birchwood Ave. Next to Birchwood is the library. Parking is located on west side of the building.
From I-64 west - Go west on the expressway to Grinstead Drive exit. Turn right at intersection light. Follow I-64 east directions (above) starting with Grinstead Drive.
From I-71 north - Go north on expressway to Zorn Ave. exit. Turn right on Zorn Ave. Proceed south on Zorn (bypass one light) until you come to a stop sign and light at railroad track. Turn right on Frankfort Ave and go approx. three blocks. The library is located at 2762 Frankfort Ave. on the left. Parking is located on west side of building.
From I-71 south - Go south on expressway to Zorn Ave. exit. Turn left on Zorn Ave. Follow directions from I-71 north (above) starting with Zorn Ave.
Map
History
The Crescent Hill Branch, constructed in 1908, was one of the first of nine Carnegie-endowed libraries in the City of Louisville. Designed by the local architectural firm of Thomas and Bohne, it is an excellent example of Beaux-Arts architecture. The library building has been adapted over time, but the architectural integrity remains. An addition to the west side of the building was added in 1961, with a renovation in 1988.
The building underwent a major renovation in the early 1990s. During the renovation, the library was temporarily housed in the Masonic Home on Frankfort Ave. On March 24, 1994, the library reopened with a gala reception. Led by local designer, Dwight Cobb, the result is an elegant, stately building with breathtaking interior design. The building is handicapped accessible, and houses two floors of library services, reading/study areas with comfortable seating and lighting and a meeting room. The signature piece of the Library is the Children's wing, complete with a mural of children's literary characters and a castle (turret and all). One of the Library’s two handsome reading rooms was recognized in 2007 by USA Today as one of the top 10 reading rooms in American public libraries.
The Library has a long tradition of involvement in the community. Sallie T. Berryman, who served as the librarian from 1909-1939, organized the first story hour, night classes, boy's and girl's clubs, a child health clinic, and two groups that would later become the Crescent Hill Women's Club. A memorial to Crescent Hill residents killed in World War I was dedicated in 1922. The Library remains actively involved in its community and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2008.
