Mayor, Councilman Winkler Announce Revised Closure Schedule For Middletown Library, Plus Additional East Louisville Library Programming

In an effort to minimize the impact of the closure of the Middletown Library, Mayor Greg Fischer, working with Councilman Markus Winkler, announced today that the branch will be able to remain open until June 19, with the exception of Monday, June 3.

The original closure date of June 3rd was scheduled to allow for adequate staff to shut down and clear out the Middletown branch before the opening of the new Northeast Regional Library. However, Councilman Winkler has offered to organize volunteers to help pack up books and library materials, freeing up library staff to continue providing regular library services to patrons.

“I am grateful for both the idea and the offer of volunteer help from Councilman Winkler to allow us to keep the Middletown Library open a little longer, as we prepare for the opening of the Northeast Regional Library,” said Mayor Fischer. “Our libraries are a critical resource for our community. During this budget challenge, the offers of help from volunteers, businesses, schools and nonprofit partners to step up and address gaps have demonstrated our community’s deep social muscle.”

While hours of operation may vary based on staff availability, patrons can continue to pick up items on hold during this time and regular access to library computers and wifi will continue. Updated information about hours will be provided via social media and on the Library website at www.lfpl.org.

“I really appreciate the work of the administration to make this happen,” said Councilman Winkler. “This is a testament to what happens when we work together for the good of our city, and I am grateful for this outcome.”

In addition, programs for children are being planned for alternate sites—allowing for “pop-up” storytimes and other summer activities—until the new Northeast Regional Library opens on June 24. These include:

Crosby Park:

• June 5th: Bookmobile visit & storytime, 10 a.m. – noon (storytime @ 10 a.m.)
• June 12th: Storytime, 10 a.m.
• June 19th: Storytime, 10 a.m.

Public Bookmobile Visits – to include materials for checkout and a summer reading program:

• June 8th, 1 – 3 p.m., Northeast Regional Library parking lot/park/porch
• June 10th, 6 – 8 p.m., Northeast Regional Library parking lot/park/porch
• June 17th, 6 – 8 p.m., Northeast Regional Library parking lot/park/porch

Closure of the Middletown and Fern Creek libraries, as well as reduced library hours countywide, were announced last month as part of Metro Government’s ongoing budget challenges, driven largely by the increase in the state pension bill and a lack of revenue from Metro Council.