Two Louisville Free Public Library branches receive regional, global recognition for design

Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal
·2 min read

Two Louisville Free Public Library branches are among the prettiest in the South and even the world, according to these two magazines.

The Main Library, 301 York St., was recognized as one of Southern Living's four "Beautiful Southern Libraries Worth Visiting." Meanwhile, the South Central branch in Okolona, 7300 Jefferson Blvd., found itself among libraries in Finland, Canada and Long Island as one of Home & Decor's "4 Most Beautiful Libraries in the World."

Here's what the magazines had to say about the Louisville libraries. Both articles were published in April 2024.

Main Library

"Though the Louisville public library system has 18 branches, there’s none more beautiful than their iconic sprawling main location," Southern Living writes. "With a decidedly French flair to its Beaux-Arts Classicism architecture, the building highlights the city’s connection to Louis XVI."

Southern Living also noted the Main Library is on the National Register of Historic Places and brings in more than 400,000 visitors every year.

In addition to Louisville's downtown library, Southern Living honored:

  • George Vanderbilt's Library at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina

  • Baylor University's Armstrong Browning Library & Museum in Waco, Texas

  • Library of Congress in Washington D.C.

More: Cancel your subscriptions; Louisville public libraries offer these services for free

South Central Regional Library

South Central Regional Library at 7300 Jefferson Blvd. in Okolona.
South Central Regional Library at 7300 Jefferson Blvd. in Okolona.

When compared to the three other libraries it selected, Home & Decor said the South Central branch "hews closest to the traditional, with its focus on books and learning, paired with a deep respect for nature."

"Massive floor-to-ceiling windows allow views of the greenery and daylight to spill in, with reflective finishes reducing electricity consumption. Inside, the building – made of metal, glass and stainless steel – has a futuristic feel, with angled walls, metal strips and overhangs," Home & Decor writes. "Despite its one-level structure, this building offers an abundance of space with its high ceilings and open layout, such that one doesn’t feel hemmed in."

Home & Decor also recognized:

  • Helsinki Central Library in Oodi, Finland

  • Hunters Point Library in Long Island, New York

  • Calgary Central Library in Calgary, Canada

More: How did 2 Louisville library books go missing for nearly a century? Here's their story

Reach reporter Leo Bertucci at lbertucci@courierjournal.com or @leober2chee on X, formerly known as Twitter

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Southern Living, Home & Decor honor Louisville libraries