Hillview Branch
About This Location
PLEASE NOTE: This location is currently closed for construction.
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, 24,999-square-foot community hub.
- 🛠️ Construction began in April 2025 with the removal of the backyard amphitheater.
- 📅 Last day open (for now!): Wednesday, November 26, 2025
- 🚪 Projected Reopening: Fall/Winter 2026
The Next Chapter
The expanded Hillview Branch will nearly double in size, adding 14,671 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 covered amphitheater with a giant screen and swings, new Sound Garden, and landscaped StoryWalk® path to promote outdoor learning, art, and performance.
- Parking Improvements: Redesigned and expanded parking areas for improved traffic flow and accessibility, including a drive-thru book return.
- Sustainability Upgrades: A new geothermal HVAC system and rooftop solar array, designed to improve energy efficiency while reducing environmental impact and long-term operating costs.
- 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
Features & Services
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 from weekly storytimes and fitness classes to special performances at offsite locations throughout the Hillview community. During the temporary closure, a book return will also be available at the Jim Eadens Resource Center in Hillview.
Construction Watch 🚧
Keep an eye on Hillview’s progress! We’ll post photos and updates here throughout the project.
Key Milestones
- November 2025: Steel beams installed for the new amphitheater canopy; framing advanced along the main addition.
- October 2025: Plumbing and electrical rough-ins began; early roof framing and expansion wall work completed.
- September 2025: Concrete work finished for the new attached amphitheater.
- August 2025: Structural steel installations began across the expansion footprint.
- July 2025: Concrete foundations poured for new interior spaces.
- June 2025: Storm and sewer structures installed; utility updates underway.
- May 2025: Site clearing continued and grading began.
- April 2025: Groundbreaking and removal of the former round amphitheater.
See the Transformation
