SHEPHERDSVILLE, Ky. — Michael Meyer, a 14-year-old model aircraft and car collector, loves reading books about vehicles. 

“I learned to read when I was about three years old and I’ve been reading ever since,” says Michael. “I’ve always been a little bit fascinated about mechanical stuff such as engines and how cars work.”

He borrows books from Bullitt County Public Library’s Ridgway Memorial branch, which will soon be replaced by a sustainably built library.  

Michael Meyer’s dad, Brent, said books are just one resource his three boys get out of the library. 

“We homeschool and the library offers an amazing resource for homeschoolers. We’re able to come in and use digital equipment that we don’t have access to at home,” said Brent. 

Brent and his wife have been members of the Ridgway Memorial branch since they were younger than their boys. 

Jennifer Nippert, the branch’s assistant director, says the 19,000-square-foot facility that shares ten parking spots with the county government office and has structural issues. So it’s being replaced with a new facility in a new location. 

“This is a building that Bullitt County deserves, and we are so proud that we’re going to be able to get open,” says Nippert. 

The new Central Library is a 45,000-square-foot building with almost 200 parking spots. Even though it’s a larger facility, the hope is to make a minimal environmental impact. 

“We’re using geothermal HVAC and then we also have a solar array on the roof, so there are over 600 solar panels on the roof,” Nippert explained. “We hope to get to a zero bill with LG&E, which means that we’ll be able to sell electricity back to the grid, which is pretty awesome.”

Michael Meyer, 14, and his three brothers are homeschool students who complete their schoolwork using technology and resources at the library. They are getting used to the new Central Library. (Spectrum News 1/Ashley N. Brown)

The branch is going green and it will also have a green space.    

“We do have four courtyard areas that are gardens, where folks will be able to eat their lunch and have a little peaceful scenery,” says Nippert. 

The branch will have bookable meeting rooms of different sizes, including a community wing space that will hold up to 740 people. 

Pickup lockers will also be added to the outside of the branch for those who cannot make it during operating hours. 

“We’re really trying to work on ways to not only make the space here more inviting for the community but also to invite people who might not have as much access and increase their access by the different things that we do,” says Nippert. 

Micheal and his brother are excited to explore the new things the central library promises. 

“I know the last location was amazing. I’m sure this one will be as well,” Michael said. 

A decision is being made about what will happen to the building they have visited for years. 

The Central Library branch will fully open on Sept. 19 at 740 Conestoga Parkway in Shepherdsville. The community is invited to celebrate the grand opening on Sept. 17 at 2 p.m.