Madisonville Public Library - Dawson Springs Branch

History :

It was the fall of 1975 when the idea of a library in Dawson Springs first took its roots in the mind of prominent leaders of Dawson springs. With much work and lots of volunteers, the library was able to open it's doors on March 29, 1976. Miss Sandra Lovett was hired as the librarian. The library opened with 4,000 volumes and 113 patrons signing up for a library card that first day. The Branch is a full service library with over 17,000 hard backs, several thousand paperbacks, audio books, videos, and DVD's are currently available for checkout. Internet computers are also available and free of charge for public use.

In 1995, an anonymous patron donated what was the old IGA building, the former historic Lansdowne Bath House, to the Branch Library. The move from Main Street to Ramsey Street took place in July of 1995. The move expanded the useable floor space from 2,400 square feet to 3,328 square feet with room for expansion. The renovation of the extra space was completed due to a bequest from Katherine Barnett. The Library now has a 100+ meeting area with kitchen facilities (a 36 cup coffee urn was donated by Bill and Frances Sisk) available for use by the public.