Since 1955
About WCPL
From a green bookmobile truck shared between three counties to a modern 10,360 square foot facility on West Main Street, Washington County Public Library has been connecting people with knowledge, resources, and each other for over 70 years.
Plan Your Visit
Welcome to WCPL
We’re so glad you’re here. Whether you’re stopping in for the first time or you’ve been coming for years, Washington County Public Library is your place — open, free, and always welcoming. Browse our hours below and come see us soon.
- 333 West Main Street Springfield, KY 40069
- Phone: (859) 336-7655
- Fax: (859) 336-0256
Our Mission
Washington County Public Library, recognizing the power of information and the joy of discovery, will provide a variety of quality resources and programs to meet user needs.
Our History
It Started With a Green Truck
The story of Washington County Public Library didn’t begin with a building — it began with a mission. In September 1955, Miss Margaret Willis planted the nucleus of what would become one of Washington County’s most beloved institutions.
Where It All Began
A Green Truck & a Promise
Three counties shared a single green truck, driven by Mrs. Gertrude Smith, carrying reading material directly to rural residents. That truck was more than a vehicle — it was a promise that every person in Washington County deserved access to books and learning.
The 1960s
From a Truck to a Building
By 1962 the green truck had been replaced by a larger bookmobile — but even that couldn’t keep up. In September 1963 a sample library was set up in two small rooms at the old L&N Depot building, giving Washington County its first taste of a permanent home.
An Official District
Washington County Goes Public
On July 2, 1964 Washington County officially became an established Public Library District. The Library moved into larger quarters in the Burns building on West Main Street, opening its doors on October 13, 1964.
A New Chapter
Built for the Next Generation
On November 15, 2017, an official ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the opening of the new 10,360 square foot facility at 333 West Main Street — a celebration coinciding with 50 years of library service to Washington County.
Governance & Funding
Taxing District
Washington County Public Library is a taxing district as defined by KRS 65.180 and operates as a Special Purpose Governmental Entity (SPGE), Non-Enterprise with taxing authority.
Per KRS 173.720, districts organized prior to July 13, 1984 are governed by KRS 173.710 to 173.800. KRS 173.720 Subsection 2 establishes the Library’s authority to collect special ad valorem taxes for its operation. The 1990 General Assembly further amended KRS 132.024, permitting a taxing district to levy a tax rate on personal property that produces the same percentage increase in revenue as that from real property.
References:
KRS Chapter 65 · Kentucky Revised Statutes, Kentucky General Assembly (2019)
https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=23359
KRS Chapter 132 · Kentucky Revised Statutes, Kentucky General Assembly (2019)
https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=41767
KRS Chapter 173 · Kentucky Revised Statutes, Kentucky General Assembly (2019)
https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=4971