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Louisville Free Public Library, Western Colored Branch
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| Location: | 604 S. 10th St., Louisville, Kentucky |
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| Area: | less than one acre |
| Built: | 1907 |
| Architect: | McDonald & Dodd; Lortz & Frey Planing Mill Co. |
| Architectural style: | Beaux Arts |
| Governing body: | Local |
| NRHP Reference#: | 75000771[1] |
| Added to NRHP: | December 6, 1975 |
The Louisville Free Public Library, Western Colored Branch, built in 1907, was the first Carnegie library built for African-Americans. Also known as Louisville Free Public Library, Western Branch, the library is a branch of the Louisville Free Public Library system.
It was designed by McDonald & Dodd. The library was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.[1]
The library was opened in 1905, originally located at 1125 West Chestnut Street in three rooms rented from a private residence. Albert Meyzeek, principal of Central High School at the time, was concerned about the lack of adequate reading and reference materials at the school. He challenged the 1902 legislation that created the Louisville Free Public Library system, on the basis that it did not adequately serve African-Americans, and persuaded the city council to open a branch to fill this need. Industrialist Andrew Carnegie donated funds to build the library building. The library was well-received by the community and was proclaimed successful by the librarians.[2]
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