Portland Library Branch begins $5.5 million renovation

It’s one of the oldest libraries in the Louisville Free Public Library system.

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The Portland Library Branch expansion will cost $5.5 million.

Photo by Tracy Heightchew, Louisville Free Public Library

The Portland library — one of the Louisville Free Public Library’s oldest branches is undergoing a $5.5 million renovation + expansion.

Founded in 1905 and opened in 1913, it’s one of the nine libraries built in the 502 with funding from steel tycoon and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Here are the details of the project:

  • The project should be complete by fall 2023.
  • Renovations will improve accessibility in the library + will include the addition of an elevator.
  • A modern, 4,500-sqft addition will be constructed behind the library at 3305 Northwestern Pkwy.
  • Key designers on the project include JRA Architects , MKSK of Ohio + the Louisville Free Public Library staff
  • The project will be funded via a mix of federal American Rescue Plan money, a state construction grant + $1.5 million still to be raised by The Library Foundation .
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Sarah Shadburne is based in Louisville, KY, and has worked in local media for the last three years, where she’s produced more than 400 stories covering local topics — from bourbon to banking to local murals. She loves getting outside, interpreting birth charts + shaking the feather toy for her cat Tangy.
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