Our mission statement says that the “Paul Sawyier Public Library exists to provide opportunities for lifelong learning through free and open access to materials and resources that inform, educate, enrich, inspire, and entertain.” All of that is true, but what you will appreciate is the way we go about fulfilling our mission statement.
About Paul Sawyier Public Library
Located in Frankfort, the capital of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, PSPL offers a broad range of services. We have state-of-the-art interactive displays in our Youth Services Department, which dovetail nicely with our innovative and engaging programs for young people, from infants through teenagers. Adults can choose from a myriad of book discussion groups, attend programs of interest on subjects from Kentucky history to decorating for the holidays, to creating special seasonal crafts, or just enjoy the atmosphere of a beautiful space with views of the Kentucky river.
Do you need a space to connect with others, or to study in a relatively quiet area? PSPL has meeting and study rooms for the public to use. Meeting rooms are open to nonprofit, educational, or government-related groups and organizations. Study rooms, located on the second floor, are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but they may be reserved up to 24 hours ahead.
PSPL is fortunate to be the home of a small collection of original paintings by the person our library is named for, the impressionist painter Paul Sawyier. These beautiful paintings, many set in the area around Frankfort, may be viewed any time the library is open.
Library Governance
The Paul Sawyier Public Library, aka the Franklin County District Public Library, is governed by a Board of Trustees, composed of a five-member Voting Board and a five-member Advisory Board. The Franklin County Public Library was established by action of the Franklin County Fiscal Court on July 7, 1971. The library is a political subdivision of the Commonwealth, with statutory authority for creation found in KRS 173.720.
Board of Trustees
The PSPL Board of Trustees governs with a five-member Voting Board, with the assistance of a five-member Advisory Board. Trustees on the Voting Board are appointed by the Franklin County Chief Judge Executive with the approval of the Fiscal Court. Trustees on the Advisory Board are appointed by the Voting Board. All trustees are appointed for a four-year term.
Staff Directory
Library staff are here to help. Check out the Staff Directory for contact info.
Policies
Every library has policies to follow. You can see ours here.
Information & Contact
Employment
The Paul Sawyier Public Library is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Check here for an opportunity to join our team!
Contact Us
The button isn’t just an object on this webpage. We really do want to hear from you, no matter what!
Support the Library
You can support your Library in many ways - find some of them here.
News & Updates
There is always something going on at the Library.
Library History
Read up on the library's history.
Friends of the Paul Sawyier Public Library
The website of the Friends of the Paul Sawyier Public library organization including book sale information and bookstore hours.
Our Vision Statement
An inspiration and anchor for a community of diverse readers, doers, and thinkers.
Our Values
- Accessible
- Welcoming
- Respectful
- Encourages curiosity
- Innovative
Our Strategic Plan
The 2020-2023 Strategic Plan provided by the Board of the Paul Sawyier Public Library is a plan that provides a framework or roadmap for the library to meet the needs of our community and deliver high levels of service.
Hours
Monday-Thursday: 10am-8pm
Friday: 10am-5pm
Saturday: 10am-4pm
Sunday: 1pm-5pm
Directions & Parking
The Library is located on the river in downtown Frankfort, Kentucky.
The Library has several parking options. There is street parking on Wapping St., a parking lot located in the back, and a parking garage underneath the Library which may be entered from the parking lot. The parking lot contains three handicapped spaces (one van accessible) which are located directly by the handicap accessible entrance at the back lobby.
Closings
The Library is closed each year on these holidays:
- New Year’s Day: January 1
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Observed): third Monday in January
- President's Day (Observed):third Monday in February
- Good Friday (Closed at Noon)
- Easter Sunday
- Memorial Day: last Monday in May
- Independence Day: July 4
- Labor Day: first Monday in September
- Thanksgiving: fourth Thursday in November
- Day after Thanksgiving: fourth Friday in November
- Christmas Eve: December 24
- Christmas Day: December 25
- Day after Christmas: December 26
- New Year’s Eve: December 31