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 $25 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.

Renewing Your Library Card

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 a card, visit your nearest library branch with proof of eligibility (a photo ID or a piece of mail to verify your address).

For more information, call (502) 574-1611.

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
• Out-of-town Genealogy and Local History Help

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?

The Library provides limited research services to those who live outside Jefferson County for a nominal fee. If you want our staff to assist with your request, read carefully and use the Printable Research Request Form.

You can also obtain additional information on locations of local genealogical and historical information.

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.

If you live outside Jefferson County, you can send an Out-of-County Request for information. Please be advised that research and mailing fees apply.

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 welcomes your suggestions and gives them serious consideration.
Library customers may recommend items for purchase by using the link at the bottom of this page. You will be asked to provide your library barcode/username and password. 

Who may suggest a purchase?

LFPL cardholders may submit up to three suggested published titles each month.

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 the item:

• Online
• By telephone: (502) 574-1611
• In-person at any LFPL location

eBook and eAudiobook suggestions can be made by using the “Recommend” feature on OverDrive. Learn how to recommend titles to your library.

What kinds of purchases may I suggest?

Any format - book, DVD, large type, audiobook, or eBook* - may be suggested.  All suggestions must have been published within the last FIVE years. Titles not yet published will not be considered.  *(Note: many publishers, both large and small, do not sell eBooks to libraries, and others do not have contracts with the providing vendor.)

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.

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 or your reserve list three to six weeks after your suggestion is submitted to see if suggested items have been added.

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

LFPL is happy to consider recently published books and other items for our collection. We receive many inquiries from authors, publishers, and publisher's representatives and have created these guidelines to clarify the process.

The Library routinely acquires books published by commercial publishers that fit the Library's collection development plan and meet our selection criteria. We also may acquire self-published books when they include unique local content and fit the scope of the Library's collection plan.

Having your book receive a positive review in one or more of the major review journals (such as Library Journal, School Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist and Publisher's Weekly) is the best way to bring a title to our attention. We are more likely to consider adding a self-published book to our collection if it has been reviewed in a major review journal. Positive reviews posted on Amazon or on blogs and personal websites are seldom helpful in our decision process.

Submissions of music follow the same criteria outlined above. Links or copies of reviews are helpful. Music donations can only be accepted in CD format and must include artwork and a track list. You should also indicate which genre your CD should be considered (Bluegrass, Celebrations, Country, Dance/Electronica, Folk, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Latin, New Age, Pop/Rock, R&B, Reggae, Religious/Gospel, Soundtrack, World, or Classical).;

Contacting the Library

Telephone – Telephone solicitation is not accepted at this time.

Email: Email selection@lfpl.org and include the following:

• Basic bibliographic information about your item (title, author, ISBN, publisher, date of publication, number of pages, price)
• A link to your item's website and links to reviews or other news media coverage (if available)
• A brief description of your item, its intended audience, and how or where to buy it

Mail - Please do not send a review copy. Instead, send a flyer or promotional materials to:

Louisville Free Public Library
Attn: Content Management Department – Materials Selection
301 York St., Louisville, KY  40203

Please note: we cannot notify you if your item is not selected because of the number of submissions we receive.

Donations

Donated items are subject to the same criteria as purchased items.

Please note: we cannot return donated items. Materials not added to the Library's collection are sent to the Friends of The Louisville Free Public Library for use in its semiannual book sales.

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.