LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A west Louisville library is about to close for more than a year as crews begin a multi-million-dollar renovation that was originally expected to be finished this year. The increased scope of the project caused its delay.
The Portland Branch Library will shut its doors on Saturday, Sept. 30.
While they're closed, William Sutton will miss the place. He's worked there for eight years, reading stories and bringing families together.
"I've gotten to see kids, literally grow from being in baby carriages or baby carriers up to elementary age kids and that's been an awesome thrill to see," he said.
According to the Louisville Free Public Library (LFPL), the $7.7 million project will renovate the original 6,000-square-foot historic Carnegie-built building and include a 6,000-square-foot expansion—doubling the size of the branch.
Construction is expected to last approximately 12 to 15 months, according to officials.
“Once complete, the Portland Library will be fully accessible and will feature an expanded collection of books and materials, more computers, separate children's and teen areas, new comfortable seating and a public meeting space,” the library’s website said.
PHOTOS: Renderings of the updated Portland Branch Library
The project has been funded through local tax dollars, American Rescue Plan funds, state grants and private donations. It has raised more than $2 million since officials broke ground on the project in September of 2022. The Louisville Free Public Library Foundation continues to raise more money for several branch expansions across Louisville.
The Portland Branch Library, the third oldest branch in the Louisville Free Public Library system, was founded in 1905 and has been in the same building since 1913.
On Friday, Bonnie Duffy visited the library to take pictures before construction begins because she remembers the place fondly. In the 1960s, she was a student a block down at Portland Elementary.
"I like to document my life, and this was a part of it," she said. "I'll be outside taking photos because this place is still beautiful."
Sutton, the youth services worker at the Portland library, said, "I appreciate those folks and those families. Please stay tuned and come back for the time that we reopen."
LFPL's Main Downtown branch is also expected to get a major renovation in the future. Former Mayor Greg Fischer announced the $8 million dollar project at a groundbreaking last December. It's unclear when construction is set to begin.
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