Calloway County Public Library
🏢 Kentucky Libraries Unbound · Murray, Kentucky
Calloway County Public Library
Calloway County Public Library has served the Jackson Purchase region of western Kentucky since 1943, when a TVA-sponsored bookmobile first brought books to rural Calloway County families. Today, at 710 Main Street in Murray — home of Murray State University — the library stays open until 8 p.m. five nights a week, making it one of the most accessible public libraries in far-western Kentucky.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 8am–8pm |
| Tuesday | 8am–8pm |
| Wednesday | 8am–8pm |
| Thursday | 8am–8pm |
| Friday | 8am–8pm |
| Saturday | 9am–5pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 710 Main Street, MURRAY, KY 42071
Phone: (270) 753-2288
Website: callowaycountylibrary.org
Plus Code: 868HJM6V+76 (MURRAY, KY)
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Calloway County Public Library
Calloway County Public Library is the public library of Murray, seat of Calloway County in far-western Kentucky about seven miles north of the Tennessee border. Its roots go back to 1943, when a Tennessee Valley Authority bookmobile program seeded the county's first permanent book collection; after eight moves in two decades, the community voted in 1967 to establish a library taxation district under KRS 173.490 — a financing model that has since been adopted by more than 100 Kentucky counties. The permanent building at 710 Main Street opened in 1970, with a 150-seat community meeting room added in a 1976 renovation. Murray State University, founded 1922 with more than 10,000 students, shapes the library's audience, and the extended weeknight hours reflect a town that balances an agricultural heritage with an active university calendar. The library participates in Kentucky Libraries Unbound, giving every cardholder free access to thousands of downloadable eBooks, audiobooks and digital magazines through Libby.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Roots in a 1943 TVA bookmobile program — among the earliest mobile library services in far-western Kentucky
- The 1967 library taxation district vote (KRS 173.490) became a model adopted by over 100 Kentucky counties
- Permanent home at 710 Main Street since 1970, with a 150-seat community meeting room added in 1976
- Open until 8 p.m. Monday through Friday — designed to serve Murray State University students and working residents
- Full-service U.S. passport acceptance facility and free notary services on-site
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Calloway County cardholders can borrow, stream and research free through Kentucky's statewide digital network:
📚 Services
- U.S. passport acceptance facility — applications by appointment for international travel
- Free notary services for patrons
- Meeting room (seats 150) available for reservation Monday–Saturday
- Public computers with 90-minute sessions and free Wi-Fi
- Copying (B&W $0.25, color $0.50), faxing ($2/page) and mobile printing
- Curbside pickup and outreach visits for homebound patrons (biweekly)
- Interlibrary loan through the Kentucky state library network
- Drive-thru book drop open 24/7
🎸 Programs
- Toddler and multi-age storytimes weekly
- Silent Book Club for adult readers
- Summer reading program for children, teens and adults
- Digital literacy and database workshops
- Community events in the 150-seat meeting room
📍 Nearby Libraries in Western Kentucky
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does Calloway County Public Library offer passport services?
Yes. The library is a U.S. passport acceptance facility. Applications are by appointment only; bring your completed DS-11 form, proof of citizenship, a government-issued photo ID, a passport photo and the required federal fees. Call (270) 753-2288 to book an appointment.
How did Calloway County Public Library get started?
The library traces its roots to 1943, when a Tennessee Valley Authority bookmobile program first delivered books to Calloway County residents. After years of temporary quarters and eight moves, voters approved a library taxation district in 1967 under KRS 173.490 — a model later adopted by more than 100 other Kentucky counties. The current building at 710 Main Street opened in 1970.
Can I reserve the meeting room at the library?
Yes. The library has a 150-seat meeting room available for community reservations Monday through Friday 8 a.m.–8 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Contact the library at (270) 753-2288 for availability and booking details.
What digital resources come with a Calloway County library card?
Cardholders get free 24/7 access to Kentucky Libraries Unbound (Libby) for eBooks, audiobooks and digital magazines; Kanopy for streaming film; hoopla for instant borrows with no waitlist; and Tutor.com plus Universal Class for online learning and tutoring.
📋 This library offers notary services. See what a library notary can do — what to bring, fees and appointments — and find other libraries with a notary notary services by state.
🖨 This library offers printing, copying & fax. See how library printing, copying, scanning and fax services work — costs and mobile printing — and find other libraries that offer them printing & fax by state.
📅 This library has meeting & community rooms. See how library meeting rooms work — booking, policies and fees — and find other libraries with meeting or community rooms meeting rooms by state.
🛂 This library offers U.S. passport services. See how library passport acceptance works — requirements, fees and appointments — and find other passport acceptance libraries by state.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in October 2026.
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