There are 20 federal depository libraries in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The oldest depository library in Kentucky
is located at Centre College. The
Grace Doherty Library
has been a selective depository since 1884. The University of Kentucky
has served as the regional depository library for the state since 1967, having been a selective depository since 1907.
Louisville Free Public Library has been a selective depository since 1904 and, in 1988, became a
Patent Depository Library. The depository community reaches the citizens of Kentucky through academic, public, and special libraries
throughout the Commonwealth, as well as through the State Library.
The depository library collections offer access to
information in all subject areas from agriculture to zoology. In addition to housing and maintaining the publications
of the United States Federal Government, various depository libraries maintain special collections of Kentucky state
documents and other national and international publications. Many depository libraries also offer their patrons
access to government information through electronic databases.