Portland Library
3305 Northwestern Pky. Louisville, Kentucky 40212 | (502) 574-1744
Map | History | Accessibility | Upcoming Programs | Volunteer | Meeting Room Request
The Portland Branch has 11 computer workstations on its main level, with access to the Internet. The computers can also be used to type reports and resumes. The branch has wide variety of books for children and adults, as well as a collection of videos and movies. (more...)
Hours
- Monday-Wednesday 10am - 8pm
- Thursday 12pm - 8pm
- Friday, Saturday 12pm - 5pm
- Sunday Closed
Directories
- City Directory Available
Directions
The Portland Branch is located on the corner of 33rd Street and Northwestern Parkway.
From I-64 west - Follow I-64 west and take Exit 3 for 22nd Street/150 east. At the exit ramp stop sign, go straight and follow 22nd Street 1/2 block to the next intersection. Turn right at intersection onto Portland Ave.. The Library is about 1 mile directly ahead, at the corner of 33rd St. and Portland Ave.
From I-64 east - Follow I-264 west to I-64 east, take Exit 3 for 22nd Street/150 east. From the exit ramp, turn right onto Portland Ave.. The Library is about 1 mile directly ahead, at the corner of 33rd St. and Portland Ave.
From Downtown - From 9th Street/Roy Wilkins Ave., connect with I-64 west, then take Exit 3 for 22nd Street/150 east (see above directions). Or, from Broadway, turn right onto 15th St. Follow 15th Street until it merges into Portland Ave.. Go straight for about 1.5 miles, and the Library will be directly ahead, at the corner of 33rd St. and Portland Ave. You can also travel north from Broadway to reach Portland Ave. via 22nd, and 26th Streets.
Accessibility
Use the alley behind the library on 33rd St. and turn into the driveway. You will find a wheelchair ramp and two accessible parking spots behind the library's building.
Map
History
The Portland Branch Library, 3305 Northwestern Parkway, is the third oldest branch in the Louisville Free Public Library system. Since its founding in 1905, the Portland Branch has continually evolved to better serve the needs of the community around it. In addition to checking out books and magazines, patrons can also use one of the branch's 11 computers for word processing, filling out resumes, or just surfing the web.
The Portland Branch is also interested in inspiring the next generation of readers and community leaders. Our auditorium is used for children's storytimes, adult and children's programming, guest speakers, and special events. The auditorium is also available for use as a community meeting room and is frequently used by Portland Now, Inc.
The Portland Branch Library first opened in rented quarters at 2611 Portland Ave. with a collection that consisted of 1,400 books selected from the Main Branch. The branch moved to Lewis Lodge on 26th St. in June 1907. A grant from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation provided the funds for the Library's permanent building. On October 24th, 1913, the Portland Branch opened in its current location.
Service to the community has taken many forms over the last century. During the 1937 flood, the Red Cross set up a first aid relief center for flood refugees at the library. It helped more than 1,500 people before the building had to be abandoned. The Portland Branch continues to reach out to the community by forming partnerships with neighborhood schools and service agencies. Hopefully, the library's second century will be as successful as the first.
