Boyle County Public Library

05/29/2026

More than 600 people joined the Summer Reading Kickoff Party Wednesday evening. Despite moving indoors because of weather, we hosted a full house of eager readers! We'll build on the Summer Reading spirit in the weeks ahead.

05/28/2026

Celebrate America250 and Boyle County with us as we delve into our community's past. May is , so join us as we explore buildings that no longer stand and some that still have a chance!

Kentucky State Hospital (Darnell General Hospital) - 1937

Construction on Kentucky State Hospital began in 1937 and was complete by 1940. The new facility was intended to serve as the most modern mental care facility in the state. The main hospital building is one of the finest examples of art deco architecture in Kentucky, with the structure originally projected to cost $1,500,000 in 1937. The building was designed to be fireproof while also showcasing modern technology, architecture, and building practices. The interior features ornate and colorful plaster murals that depict themes reflecting the development of mental healthcare from the colonial period up to 1937. In 1941, the federal government leased the facility to serve as a military hospital and eventually, a camp for German prisoners of war was also established on the site. Following the war, the hospital returned to use as a mental care facility known as Darnell General Hospital. Following changes in mental healthcare, declining patient numbers, and state funding, the facility closed in 1977. The main threats to the structure today are the challenges of adaptively reusing such a large structure that is on the campus of a medium security prison. The hospital has a fascinating story to tell spanning a large amount of Kentucky and U.S. history and is worthy of preservation.

(Postcard image courtesy of the University of Kentucky)

05/28/2026

Summer Reading 2026 is officially underway! Any adults, youth, or kids can use this link to join our program. The goal: at least 20 minutes of reading per day. Sign up, log daily reading, and join a thriving community of curious, active, and interesting summer readers. Get involved and pass it along! 🦖📚💥🎁

Beanstack is a platform for reading challenges and book recommendations for any organization, especially libraries and schools.

05/27/2026

See you at the Summer Reading Kickoff Party tonight -- 5:30-8 p.m. We've moved festivities inside. Dinosaurs, wrestlers, games, activities and more. A full list of partners will share community information: Art Center of the Bluegrass, Bluegrass Greensource, Boyle County ASAP, Boyle County Bluegrass Community Action Partnership, Ephraim McDowell Health, Boyle County EMS, Girl Scouts of Kentucky's Wilderness Road Council, The Gladys Project, Green Neighbor -- Danville Stormwater, the Kentucky Health Access Nurturing Development Services (HANDS) parenting program, Kids Can Do, kynect health insurance, New Vista KY, and Plaid Elephant Books. Plus local food trucks for refreshments: Billys BBQ , Grace Café, Inc, Serenity Sweet Snow, Teach's Coffee. Enjoy the party and discover the best titles to start your Summer Reading habit.

05/26/2026

Due to a rainy forecast, our Summer Reading Kickoff will be indoors. Join us 5:30-8 on Wednesday. Mingle with dinosaurs, wrestlers, and community partners. Enjoy activities, games, and food trucks as you explore titles to spark your Summer Reading habit.

05/26/2026

05/24/2026

The library will be closed on Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day.

We will reopen Tuesday, May 26 at 9:30 a.m.