History
The Crescent Hill Branch, constructed in 1908, was one of the first of nine Carnegie-endowed libraries in the City of Louisville. Designed by the local architectural firm of Thomas and Bohne, it is an excellent example of Beaux-Arts architecture. The library building has been adapted over time, but the architectural integrity remains. An addition to the west side of the building was added in 1961, with a renovation in 1988.
The building underwent a major renovation in the early 1990s. During the renovation, the library was temporarily housed in the Masonic Home on Frankfort Ave. On March 24, 1994, the library reopened with a gala reception. Led by local designer, Dwight Cobb, the result is an elegant, stately building with breathtaking interior design. The building is handicapped accessible, and houses two floors of library services, reading/study areas with comfortable seating and lighting, a meeting room, and a periodicals room. The signature piece of our branch is the Children's wing, complete with a mural of children's literary characters and a Castle (turret and all).
The library has a long tradition of involvement in the community. Sallie T. Berryman became the second librarian in 1909 and served the branch for 30 years. Ms. Berryman organized the first story hour, night classes, boy's and girl's clubs, a child health clinic, and two groups that would become the Crescent Hill Women's Club. A memorial to Crescent Hill residents killed in World War I was dedicated in 1922. This tradition continues today with exemplary service to patrons of all ages, programs of interest to the community, a wealth of children's events, and meeting space provided to local groups.
