About Our 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.