Barbourville residents seek answers regarding Knox County Public Library expansion

BARBOURVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) — Frustration is mounting among Barbourville community members as the construction of the new Knox County Public Library remains stalled. The proposed site, an empty lot that has been vacant for years, currently features only two signs indicating future development.

“I don’t know about other people but I would be willing to pick up a shovel and break ground—I mean, it’s been a long, long, long road,” said one community member.

The existing library is reportedly at full capacity, underscoring the urgent need for a new building to accommodate expanding programs for children and adults. Carolyn Valentine, who formerly served on the library’s chair, explained, “When we have children programs, adult programs—and the rooms are always just full to capacity. So we are past time for a new library.”

The library’s expansion project began in 2019 with the purchase of the land. By 2020, library officials sought proposals from an engineering firm to move forward. However, progress was halted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Compounding the delay, Senate Bill 167, passed in 2023, requires local fiscal court approval for construction projects exceeding $1 million. It remains unclear if this new legislation affects the library’s plans. Library staff reportedly reached out to the Attorney General to determine if a fiscal court opinion is necessary.

“If he says it isn’t necessary, then that would be the end of it—if he says there is a grandfather clause,” said Knox County Attorney Gilbert Holland.

To expedite the process, community members attended a fiscal court meeting on Wednesday to voice their concerns and frustrations. Although the library issue was not on the meeting agenda and no action was taken, organizers said local residents expressed their discontent.

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“I hate to see our county pay taxpayer money to fight for a community resource that they know that we need and I really hope that all of our constituents will just remember this—remember all of the people who fought against this resource that everybody knows we need,” said Josh Cole, a Knox County resident.

As of now, there has been no resolution, and the community is waiting for further developments regarding the new library’s construction.

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