Hillview Branch
About This Location
The current 10,328-square-foot Hillview Branch Library opened in 2012, replacing the former Dorothea Stottman Library. Since then, Hillview has become a cornerstone for community learning and connection—serving a rapidly growing population with creativity, technology, and heart.
Now, we’re writing the next chapter. In response to rapid growth and evolving community needs, we are now embarking on a major expansion, renovation, and modernization project that will transform Hillview into a vibrant, 25,000-square-foot community hub.
- 🛠️ Construction began in April 2025 with the removal of the backyard amphitheater.
- 📅 Last day open: Wednesday, November 26, 2025
- 🎉 Next Chapter Celebration: Thursday, November 20, 2025 (3:00–7:00 PM)
- 🚪 Projected Reopening: Winter 2026
The Next Chapter
The expanded Hillview Branch will nearly double in size, adding 14,672 square feet of new and reimagined spaces designed to better serve the growing Bullitt County community.
Highlights include:
- Children’s Activity Room & Expanded Kids Area: Larger, interactive spaces for learning and play, with zones for toddlers through early elementary students and room to grow the children’s collection.
- Coffee Bar & Comfortable Reading Areas: Relaxed spaces for conversation, reading, and connection—with a warm, home-like atmosphere for all ages.
- Community Wing: Two public meeting rooms, five study rooms, and a conference room, all equipped with modern technology. This wing will also include a generator and working kitchen to support emergency assistance for the community when needed.
- Demonstration Kitchen: A fully equipped teaching kitchen for cooking classes, cultural programs, and community partnerships focused on food, wellness, and sustainability.
- Food Pantry & Community Care Cabinet: An expanded and discreetly located community pantry with refrigeration for perishable items and storage for personal care essentials.
- Learning Lab: A hands-on creative hub featuring equipment for 3D printing, laser engraving, embroidery, robotics, and more—plus flexible workspace and classes led by trained staff.
- Outdoor Enhancements: A redesigned amphitheater with a giant screen and swings, new Sound Garden, and landscaped StoryWalk® path to promote outdoor learning, art, and performance.
- Sustainability Upgrades: A geothermal system and solar energy installation to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
- Teen Room: A dedicated hangout spot with gaming consoles, study areas, and creative programming designed by and for teens.
💰 Project Cost: $11.6 million
🏗️ Funded entirely through BCPL reserves—no bonds, grants, or loans.
🏢 Architect: Studio Kremer Architects
Current Features & Services
- 3D printing
- Activity boards to encourage and facilitate educational play for children
- Copy, fax, printing, scanning & laminating services
- Curbside Pickup service
- GO! Totes
- Library of Things
- Meeting room Reserve a Room
- Outdoor pavilion with patio and walking path
- Public computers & free Wi-Fi
- Reference services & research help
- StoryWalk
- Study rooms Reserve a Room
- Test proctoring
- Video & Board Game collections
When Hillview reopens, visitors can look forward to the return of all their favorite services—and so much more! In the meantime, our Hillview staff will continue offering selected events ranging weekly storytimes and fitness classes to special performances at offsite locations throughout the Hillview community.
Construction Watch 🚧
Keep an eye on Hillview’s progress! We’ll post photos and updates here throughout the project.
Key Milestones
- October 2025: Work is now underway for plumbing rough-ins, roofing, the expansion wall, and more.
- September 2025: Site concrete for the new, attached amphitheater completed.
- August 2025: Structural steel installations began.
- July 2025: Started pouring concrete foundations.
- June 2025: Worked on storm and sewer structures; started on utility updates.
- May 2025: Continued clearing and began grading.
- April 2025: Groundbreaking and site clearing! Work began with the removal of the round amphitheater in the back yard.
See the Transformation
