Kentucky Department for Libraries & Archives
Every resident of Kentucky has free access to a statewide library system run by Kentucky Department for Libraries & Archives. With a local library card, students, parents, and teachers can use research databases, ebooks and audiobooks, and learning programs at no cost. Here is what is available and how to get it.
Kentucky public libraries at a glance
Research databases: Kentucky Virtual Library (KYVL)
Kentucky Virtual Library (KYVL) is Kentucky's free statewide research service.
Resources students can use inside Kentucky Virtual Library (KYVL) include:
- EBSCOhost (Academic Search, MasterFILE, Middle Search Plus, Health & Business Source)
- ProQuest Career & Technical Education
- Scholastic GO! / Grolier encyclopedias
- NoveList
- LearningExpress
Ebooks & audiobooks: Kentucky Libraries Unbound (OverDrive): ebooks and audiobooks, free with a library card.
Early literacy programs
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Kentucky is statewide, reaching children in all 120 counties with a free book each month from birth to age 5.
Accessible reading & talking books
Students and family members who cannot read standard print (because of a visual, physical, or reading disability such as dyslexia) can get free audiobooks and braille through Kentucky Talking Book Library, part of the national NLS network and its BARD download service. The Kentucky Talking Book Library (Frankfort), part of the NLS network, serves residents who can't read standard print.
Find a library & get a card
Use the official locator to find your nearest Kentucky public library, hours, and how to get a card. Find a library →