Services began in 1905 when the Polytechnic Society's collection, held in the top floor of the Kaufman-Straus Building, was open to the public.

In 2007, a proposed tax increase to pay for Louisville Free Public Library improvements and ongoing costs was soundly defeated in spite of strong support by many political and business leaders.

In early August 2009 the main branch was flooded when a storm dropped 7 inches (18 cm) of water on the city in 75 minutes.

Structural, mechanical, electrical, and computer systems damage were near complete, forcing the main library to close for several weeks.

Other branches in the system in hard-hit areas were closed for a few days while damage was assessed and cleanup undertaken.

[6] The majority of LFPL's employees are employed through a collective bargaining agreement between AFSCME Local 3425 and Louisville Metro Government.