Kentucky Libraries: Vital Hubs for Internet Access and Community Services
Kentucky's public libraries remain a vital hub for internet access and community services. In 2024, over 6.8 million wireless sessions were used, and visits to libraries topped 11 million. The Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) provides crucial funding, with $2.7 million allocated to Kentucky in 2024.
Kentucky's libraries offer more than just books. They provide technology assistance, passport renewals, tax help, story times, and wellness programs. In 2024, nearly 2 million visits were made by children under 18, attending almost 75,000 programs. Since 1998, Kentucky libraries have received over $28 million in E-rate discounts for internet access and equipment. In 2025, 88% of Kentucky's public library systems are projected to file for E-rate discounts, including 30 libraries for hotspot lending to support remote learning.
All Kentuckians are within 30 minutes of a public library, with 79% within 10 minutes. Team Kentucky aims to serve the educational and informational needs of its residents, ensuring access to high-quality library resources and services. The continued financial support from IMLS is crucial to meeting these community needs, supporting competitive grants for local libraries, literacy promotion, and librarian education.
Kentucky's public libraries play a pivotal role in the state's educational and informational landscape. With over 11 million visits in 2024 and over $28 million in E-rate discounts since 1998, their impact is undeniable. The IMLS's $2.7 million funding in 2024 ensures that these vital services continue to reach all Kentuckians.
