Mission
The mission of the Casey County Public Library is to provide access to resources that empower its patrons to imagine the possibilities, discover their potential, and connect with their community.
Vision
The vision of the Casey County Public Library is to be a gateway to community, enrichment, and discovery for all stages of life.
History
Your Casey County Public Library first opened its doors in September of 1976 and has been serving the citizens ever since. The library was originally housed in a white building (which still exists, located behind the library proper, that now serves as the space for a twice-monthly book sale run by the Friends of the Casey County Public Library.). At the time of its founding, the library collection was a modest 7,639 books, magazines, and newspapers; some filmstrips; a small vinyl record collection. From its inception, the library did provide bookmobile services across the county and was marked by a desire to provide excellent library service to its community.
The library moved into the current building (albeit the much smaller original section) in October of 1977, following construction. Once there, the Casey County Public Library was able to provide more materials and services, in addition to holding programs. As society changed, so too did the library. The first computer was introduced to the library in 1983. As formats changed, the library moved from vinyl to cassette, to DVDs and recorded books.
In 1991, the library underwent its first expansion, providing a larger children’s section, genealogy room, and space for public computers. The schedule for the bookmobile grew to serve many shut-in patrons as well as the county schools and other community agencies.
In order to meet increased usage and demands for more services and programs, a second addition was undertaken in 2016, adding a children’s and elementary aged area, a young adult room, an activity room, expanded public computer and movie space, and a quiet room for study and relaxation.
From the time the doors opened in 1976 until her retirement in 2024, the Casey County Public Library was run by a single director: Jan Banks. The Jan Banks Study Room, which was established in 2025, was named in her honor. At the time of her retirement, Mrs. Banks was the longest serving public library Director in the state of Kentucky.
The white building that originally housed the library still exists, and now serves as the space for a twice-monthly book sale run by the Friends of the Casey County Public Library.