Christmas closing 2025
The Library will be closed on December 24th and 25th. We will be open regular hours on Friday, December 26th.
Posts
Local and Family History Department Uploads New Online Black History Collections and Genealogy Video
The McCracken County Local and Family History Department has added new collections to the library’s online historical digital collections, along with a new video for the beginner genealogist.
Black History and Genealogy Resource Guide
August 8th is a time of celebration, remembrance, and fellowship within Paducah and the surrounding area. While the specific day has numerous origin stories, the week surrounding the date rem
50 @ 555: A Timeline of the Library's Last 50 Years
As the library celebrates the 50th Anniversary of our current building, we’ve compiled a little history of the programs, services, and people that have been a part of our time at 555 Washington Street.
Postcards from Paducah - Chapter 1: The Legend of Pat Dugan
The story of how Paducah got its name has been through many twists and turns over the years. Most everyone is familiar with the legend of Chief Paduke. But have you heard about Pat Dugan?
A Letter From Florence: AN 1882 Message in a Bottle
In the 1979, the rock band The Police released their song “Message in a Bottle,” and in it, the lead singer, Sting, croons the lyrics:
10 Things That Were Illegal in 1904
This book from our Local and Family History stacks, A Revision of the Ordinances and Municipal Laws of the City of Paducah, Kentucky (1904), may have a boring-looking cover and a boring-sounding title, but inside you’ll find a f
Water, Water Everywhere: Paducah’s First Spots for Water – Well, Cistern, and Horse Drinking Fountain
Carrying your own reusable water bottle around is the thing to do these days. Not only is it good for you, it’s good for the environment.
Something Got Your Goat? Paducah’s Goat Problem of 1898
Invasive species. Asian Carp, Killer Bees, Cane Toads, and Burmese Python…just to name a few. They can be a real problem, causing havoc and disrupting the natural order of things. An invasive species can be truly destructive.
What’s Hiding in the 1937 Flood Monument?
Found in the median of Jefferson Street around the 2900 block, the statue memorializing the 1937 Flood is not in a very convenient location for perusal.
This Week in Historical Leisure Activities: Frog Hunting
Looking for a new hobby? A new sport? Ever considered frog hunting?
Paducah’s First Muralist? The Story of John Banvard, Nearly Forgotten Millionaire Painter
Murals…Paducah has a long history with them. The timeline, working backwards, includes…
Sliding into Summer: Paducah’s First Public Playground
The weather is nice and warm. Time to get outside and one of our city’s beautiful parks. If you’ve got kids, there’s nothing they want to do more at the park than play on the playground.
