Colored Branches of the Louisville Free Public Library

An illustrated description of the buildings together with some interesting figures concerning their cost, equipment and use. Issued to mark the Tenth Anniversary of the opening of the first free public library in America exclusively for colored readers.
LOUISVILLE, KY. 1915
When you see a book think of the Public Library
SUMMARY OF WORK in the COLORED BRANCHES of the LOUISVILLE FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY For Fiscal Year Ending August 31, 1916
Staff—Colored Branches
In organizing the public library for Louisville it was planned to have separate buildings for colored readers. The system consists of the Main library, eight branches, 230 class room collections in 35 school buildings and 62 stations, a total of 301 centers for the circulation of books for home use. This includes two branches, 52 class room collections in 13 school buildings and 6 stations, a total of 60 centers for colored readers. The total circulation of books for the year was 1,045,077. Of this number 104,771 volumes were used by colored readers.
History. After the opening of the Main library, the colored branch came next. It was opened on September 23, 1905 in temporary quarters in a residence on Chestnut Street between Tenth and Eleventh. This was the first free public library in America exclusively for colored readers and it marked an epoch in the development of the race. At the same time the Library Board purchased a corner lot, 69 by 120 feet, at Tenth and Chestnut Streets. On this site was erected a Carnegie building which was occupied: October 29, 1908.
Western Colored Branch
The Western Colored Branch building is 77 feet long and 45 feet wide and is built of brick and stone with tile roof. The building has a main floor and basement. On the main floor near the entrance is the delivery desk and back of it are large tables for reading and reference. To the left on entering is a newspaper alcove, the librarian’s office and the special room for children. To the right on entering is the magazine alcove, a study room and the special room for adults. The basement floor contains a large lecture room, two class rooms and supply and boiler rooms. The building is heated throughout by hot water. The furniture and shelving are beautiful in design and finish, and provision is made for free access to all the books. The arrangement is one of convenience and comfort for those who wish to read or study or to get a book for home use.