Paris-Bourbon County Library strives to be the best possible public library by being deeply empathetic of the needs of people we serve and supportive of each other’s endeavors. We strive to inform, enrich, and empower every person in our community by creating and promoting easy access to a vast array of ideas and information, and by supporting an informed citizenry, lifelong learning, and love of reading.

We acquire, organize, and provide books and other relevant materials; ensure equitable access to information sources in our library as well as throughout the nation and around the world; serve our public with expert and caring assistance; and reach out to all members of our community.

First Amendment Library

On November 15, 2023 the Board of Trustees of the Paris–Bourbon County Public Library declared that the Library is a First Amendment Library, committed to protecting freedom of expression in its community. It becomes thus the first in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. As such, knowledge and the Constitutionally protected access to information has been enshrined by and at the Library for the residents of Bourbon County.

On December 28, 2023 the Bourbon County Fiscal Court adopted a resolution supporting the Paris-Bourbon County Library Board of Trustee’s declaration that the Library will protect freedom of expression.

On Tuesday, January 23, the Paris City Commission adopted a resolution supporting the Paris-Bourbon County Library Board of Trustee’s designation that the Library will protect the First Amendment rights of citizens through its services.