Highlands-Shelby Park Library prepares to close with Mid City Mall set to be demolished

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Another tenant of Louisville's Mid City Mall is getting ready to close its doors ahead of a major redevelopment of the site.

The Highlands-Shelby Park Library was something the community desperately wanted to keep. For brother and sister Jaiden and Oliver Ambergris, going to the library location is something they do several times a week.

"My favorite part about going to the library (is) you have a lot of books you can find and get, and it's just a peaceful place," said Jaiden.

But after more than 32 years inside the Mid City Mall, the library will close at the end of the month as the mall is set to be demolished to make way for a new development.

"I was confused at first, and now I am sad because it's a very good library," Jaiden said about the library closing.

Branch Properties will transform the mall into Mid City Market. Plans feature five new buildings, including a large grocery store, which could be a Publix. The Heine Brothers Coffee and Raising Cane's locations along Bardstown Road will remain. Plans also include more green space and increased pedestrian walkways, with a 25% reduction in parking — more than 100 spaces.

While the library is closing, a new free-standing location will be built on site. However, construction will take two years.

"We have estimated that's about an $8 million project and, thanks to the mayor and city council, they have already allocated some money towards that project," Louisville Free Public Library Director Heather Lowe said.

The new library will be approximately 12,000 square feet, a little larger than the current location.

When the current location closes, the books will be distributed to other Louisville libraries and the free mobile book bus will make more stops in the area.

"It's probably going to be different and be a little bit to get used to, again," said Oliver.

The free internet stations at the library will also end, but will remain at other library locations.

Several businesses within Mid City Mall already closed or moved. Ramen House Louisville moved to a location on Spring Street, and The Nearly New Shop also closed in September 2025. The iconic Back Door Bar closed in May 2024 after the passing of longtime owner John Dant. Baxter Avenue Theatres closed at the end of 2025, citing the uncertain future of Mid City Mall. In June, the ValuMarket closed its doors after 21 years in the Highlands.

"Just like ValuMarket, I still mourn the fact they're not there and they've only been gone a couple of months," said library user Betsy Foshee.

The library will host a "see you later" party for families in the community from 2-4 p.m. this Saturday, Aug. 15, but stresses that it is not a goodbye.

"All these various things just keep reminding me this is an institution that is no longer going to be available," said Foshee. "But I will come back to the new one."

The Bardstown Road/Baxter Avenue Overlay Committee approved the design and a demolition request for Mid City Market in April. An official demolition date has not yet been announced.