History of MCPL

Our History

Metcalfe County Public Library was organized under the WPA in 1938, and operated under their supervision until the WPA became a legend. In 1942, the Women's Club of Edmonton opened the library. Lasca Martin began serving as librarian and the Board of Education furnished a place, heat, lights, and janitor service. The library moved from the basement of the Board of Education building to the Old Farmer's & Merchant building.  It remained there until 1965 when the building was sold.  The library was then located in the Edmonton Hardware Store.   In 1967, the local Jaycees campaigned for a library building.  Also in 1967, the library board met to discuss a need for a new building. On December 6, 1970, a dedication ceremony was held for the new facility.  December 6 was declared "Lasca Martin Day." Lasca Martin was librarian for 36 years. She died August 2, 1982. Other librarians have been Denise Minor & Rhonda Glass. 


The Metcalfe County Public Library opened in a newly renovated facility in October 2003 with a ribbon cutting on November 9, 2003.  A 2,400 foot addition was added to make the total square footage 7,378. The project was funded by a grant from the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives.

In 2021 ​after careful planning, the Metcalfe County Public Library Board of Trustees and staff announced that an updated facility would become a reality for Metcalfe County. The project involved a new addition which incorporated a new rear entrance, a 1,196 square foot community space equipped with a kitchen, a quiet study/reading room, a family restroom, and expanded storage. The existing space was also renovated to include a multi-purpose meeting space for programs and activities, a relaxed seating area, a small conference room, and an expanded children’s area. Metcalfe County Public Library was organized under the WPA in 1938, and operated under their supervision until the WPA became a legend. In 1942, the Women's Club of Edmonton opened the library. Lasca Martin began serving as librarian and the Board of Education furnished a place, heat, lights, and janitor service. The library moved from the basement of the Board of Education building to the Old Farmer's & Merchant building.  It remained there until 1965 when the building was sold.  The library was then located in the Edmonton Hardware Store.   In 1967, the local Jaycees campaigned for a library building.  Also in 1967, the library board met to discuss a need for a new building. On December 6, 1970, a dedication ceremony was held for the new facility.  December 6 was declared "Lasca Martin Day." Lasca Martin was librarian for 36 years. She died August 2, 1982. Other librarians have been Denise Minor & Rhonda Glass. 


The Metcalfe County Public Library opened in a newly renovated facility in October 2003 with a ribbon cutting on November 9, 2003.  A 2,400 foot addition was added to make the total square footage 7,378. The project was funded by a grant from the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives.

In 2021 ​after careful planning, the Metcalfe County Public Library Board of Trustees and staff announced that an updated facility would become a reality for Metcalfe County. The project involved a new addition which incorporated a new rear entrance, a 1,196 square foot community space equipped with a kitchen, a quiet study/reading room, a family restroom, and expanded storage. The existing space was also renovated to include a multi-purpose meeting space for programs and activities, a relaxed seating area, a small conference room, and an expanded children’s area. 

Bookmobile History

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.

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