The Metcalfe County Public Library has been a cornerstone of education and community service since its founding. Originally organized under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in 1938, the library operated under federal supervision until the WPA was dissolved. In 1942, the Women’s Club of Edmonton took the initiative to reestablish the library, appointing Lasca Martin as librarian. The Board of Education generously provided space, utilities, and janitorial services.
Over the decades, the library underwent several relocations to meet the growing needs of Metcalfe County residents. It first moved from the basement of the Board of Education building to the Old Farmer's & Merchant Building, and later to the Edmonton Hardware Store after the previous building was sold in 1965.
In 1967, thanks to a community-driven campaign by the local Jaycees and support from the Library Board, plans for a new permanent facility were launched. Architect and local native Terry Simmons was commissioned to design the building, and James N. Gray Construction Company of Glasgow, Kentucky, was awarded the construction contract. The completed library building was officially handed over to the Board of Trustees in October 1970.
A formal dedication ceremony was held on December 6, 1970, which was also declared "Lasca Martin Day" in honor of the librarian’s 36 years of tireless service. Mrs. Martin’s dedication, often without compensation, ensured the library remained open and available to the community. She passed away on August 2, 1982.
Following her, Denise Minor and then Rhonda Glass took on the role of Library Director. Rhonda Glass led the library from 1983 to her retirement in 2020—an impressive 37-year tenure during which the library saw tremendous advancements, including:
• Full automation of the library catalog
• Introduction of public computers and internet access
• Expansion of digital library services
• A 2,400-square-foot building addition completed in 2003
In 2021, under the leadership of current director Kasey Warf, the Board of Trustees approved a major library renovation and expansion project. This included the addition of a new rear entrance and a 1,196-square-foot extension, completed in October 2022, further enhancing accessibility and functionality for the community.
Today, the Metcalfe County Public Library continues to grow, evolve, and serve as a hub for lifelong learning, digital access, and community engagement across Edmonton, Kentucky and beyond.
The first bookmobile was a gift from The Courier-Journal and The Louisville Times to the state for Metcalfe County. The first bookmobile librarian was Maxine Ray. Others to date have been Ester DeVore, Mary Smith, and June Huffman.
200 South Main Street,
Edmonton, KY 42129
Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday and Saturday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
