'Everything's coming together' | West Louisville neighborhood excited to see return of library | Community events

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — City budget cuts forced the closing of a west Louisville library branch more than 30 years ago.

Redirected funds from a federal grant after an ethics investigation are going to help pay for its return to Louisville's Parkland neighborhood.

Louisville's Library system is getting a $15 million dollar shot in the arm after city leaders decided to spend a big chunk of federal American Rescue Plan money on four ongoing projects.

It will help pay off the already planned expansion at the library in the Portland neighborhood, renovation at the city's downtown branch, and will help reopen branches in Fern Creek and Parkland.

Parkland's library was first built in 1907, but closed as a city library in 1986. Billy Henderson has lived in the neighborhood for decades, and remembers visiting the library as a kid.

"That's where we used to go watch movies in the basement," Henderson said. "And then you'd go upstairs, read your book and do your homework if you wanted to."

He's watched shops come and go and his old library as it transformed into a museum, then Metro office space. He always hoped the library would reopen again to give his granddaughter a place to let her imagination run wild.

"For the younger generation, something for them to look forward to," Henderson said.

Construction at the Parkland branch has already started, but the new infusion of funds will help pay for project's cost. The library is scheduled to reopen in 2025.

Henderson is excited to watch his granddaughter and friends have somewhere new to enjoy.

"I think it will be so, so special because they're gonna have so much activities, things for her to do," Henderson said. "I just want to be around to see her do this."

By the time the library opens, construction of the nearby Goodwill Opportunity Campus and hospital will be completed as well.

Councilwoman Tammy Hawkins (D-1) has been a longtime advocate for the library's return.

She joined city leaders at 28th and Virginia on Tuesday for a news conference about the reallocated funds for parks and libraries. She told the crowd about her excitement to see the positive developments in her beloved neighborhood.

"And it (Parkland) has been overlooked," Hawkins said. "And now, it's just another part of the revitalization."

"Everything's coming together," Henderson said. "I'll be so glad to see this. Everything coming together to be successful."

Part of the $40 million from the ARP funds go toward parks across the city, and another portion will go toward entities focused on workforce development.