The Kentucky Room, located on the third floor of the Central Library, contains a wealth of information about Kentucky and Fayette County. The collection features books on all aspects of Kentucky, subject files on Kentucky and Lexington, county histories, family histories, local newspapers, maps, and state and local government documents.

• Physical Documents
• Digital Collections
• Resources for Genealogists 
  The Kentucky Room contains many items of interest to genealogists, especially those researching Central Kentucky families.
• Local History Index
  Research newspaper articles pertaining to significant people, places, events, churches, businesses and organizations in Lexington and Fayette County. Created by the Lexington Public Library.
• Fayette County Cemeteries Map
  An interactive map of cemeteries throughout the county, viewable using Google Maps and Google Earth.

Contact the Kentucky Room - Call 859-231-5523 or email

• Genealogy/Local History by Mail or Email

Physical Documents

The Kentucky Room collection frequently benefits from thoughtful gifts. Published family histories, Lexington telephone directories and city directories dating prior to 1976, and both new and out-of-print books are extremely welcome additions to the Kentucky Room Collection.

Photocopying Kentucky Room Materials

A photocopier is available for customers using Kentucky Room materials. Not all materials, such as rare and fragile items, in the Kentucky Room may be photocopied. However, patrons may use a digital camera to record images. 

Lexington Public Library’s Kentucky Room is partnering with institutions throughout central Kentucky to provide online access to digital collections. The Kentucky Digital Library, part of the Kentucky Virtual Library, has been a model for Kentucky and the nation in making digital collections available. Select a collection below and check back in the future to see what new Lexington Public Library resources are added.  (Please note:  The Kentucky Digital Library is in the process of upgrading and, as a result, some of these collections may not be currently available.)