Authors at the Library
The Craig Buthod Author Series presents New York Times bestseller Craig Johnson
Thursday, May 16, 7 p.m. • Main Library
LFPL is pleased to welcome back Craig Johnson, bestselling author of the Walt Longmire mystery novel series, which the hit Netflix original drama Longmire is based.
This event is free and open to the public. Click the Register button below or call (502) 574-1644.
Renowned urban planner and author Jeff Speck
Tuesday, May 21, 6 p.m. • Main Library
Join us for a thought-provoking evening with renowned urban planner and author Jeff Speck, presented by University of Louisville's Urban Design Studio Sustainable City Series. Jeff will share his insights on reimagining downtown Louisville through the lens of walkability and why fostering a pedestrian-friendly environment is imperative for a flourishing city.
This event is free and open to the public. A book signing will follow the talk. Click the Register button below or call (502) 574-1644.
The Craig Buthod Author Series - named in honor of former library director Craig Buthod - is an endowed library program that brings award-winning and New York Times bestselling authors to Louisville. Previously called Authors at the Library, the series was endowed in 2015 by donors to the Library Foundation.
To make a gift to the Craig Buthod Author Series endowment:
Welcome to MyLibraryU
Whether you have been out of school for a while and miss the learning experience, or you're thinking of starting college or returning to finish your degree, LFPL's MyLibraryU wants to connect you to new, free learning opportunities.
Fast Classes at the Library
LFPL's Fast Classes are one-time educational events taught by local experts. Some explore current events, literature, and science; others teach practical skills and history.
Haiti: Historical Trends to Present Tensions
Wednesday, May 22, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., Main Library
In recent years, news headlines about Haiti have covered civil unrest, political assassination, and recovery from earthquakes. However, stories rarely explore the reasons why Haiti has arrived at these critical points.
In this class, Dr. Charlton Yingling, Associate Professor of History at University of Louisville, will explore highlights from the deep and rich history of Haiti over the past two centuries to better explain the importance of this country and the momentous events taking place there today.
This program is presented by MyLibraryU and is free and open to the public. Registration is requested online or by calling (502) 574-1623.
Short Course at the Library
LFPL's Short Courses are taught like real college courses by professors and experts in their fields. Some will require reading and encourage field trips. All will be free and open to anyone with no academic background required.
Past Event
Turning Pages: An Anatomy and History of Comics
The term “anatomy” means to “cut up,” and that’s exactly what we’ll do during this Short Course: dissect a range of comics to see how they work. U of L professor Dr. Joseph Turner will survey and explain the major genres, movements, issues, and tropes that shape what are called “comics,” "graphic novels," or "graphic narratives." Some still maintain that comics is a lesser art form. This course, however, will demonstrate the complex artistry behind the deceptive simplicity of comics and introduce participants to their fascinating form and history.
Turner is an associate professor in the English Department at the University of Louisville, where he directs the English Honors program. He earned a PhD in English from the University of Delaware in 2012, specializing in medieval education and literature. Although the Middle Ages might be his first love, Neil Gaiman's Sandman ignited his interest in comics back in the 90s, and he's been teaching and writing about comics for the last decade.
Downloads
- Recommended Reading List
- Comics Short Course Week One
- Comics Short Course Week Two
- Comics Short Course Week Three
Missed a Fast Class or a Short Course?
Visit our Podcast page to see if the class or author event that you missed is available as a podcast.
COLLIDER Artist-in-Residence Program
COLLIDER, South Central Regional Library’s paid artist-in-residence program, connects the public with art and the people who create it. Generous funding from Councilwoman Madonna Flood makes the COLLIDER Artist-In-Residence program possible.
Scroll down to see current and upcoming artists, or view a list of our previous COLLIDER artists.
Artist applications are currently closed. The call for the next round of COLLIDER artists will open September 1, 2024.
April
Martin Edlin - Clay Sculptor/Potter
Martin Edlin is an artist who works in several disciplines of traditional art media. His artwork is technically rigorous yet highly imaginative, giving shape and form to emotions and ideas in sculpture, pottery, paintings, and drawings.
He studied art at the University of Louisville under renowned potter Tom Marsh and earned a Master’s degree at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago under sculptor and art therapy pioneer Don Seiden. His artwork has been exhibited publicly since 1984.
He teaches workshops for many schools and community programs with people of all ages and directed a community art education center for many years. He worked as a stained glass craftsman for glass artists Peter Eichhorn and Bob Markert while in high school and college and has practiced art therapy in a multitude of settings.
Photo courtesy of Alex Stephens
Classes:
- Saturday, April 13, 11:00 a.m. Building Effigy Jugs **REGISTRATION FULL**
- Tuesday, April 16, 4:00 p.m. Ceramic Creations for Youth
- Monday, April 22, 11:00 a.m. Painting Pottery for Children
Registration is required, please email Liz.Magee@lfpl.org
May
Donyalle Jackson - Painter/Mixed Media Artist
Louisville native Donyalle Jackson grew up in the West End near the Shawnee neighborhood, which is where she first discovered her love for art. She nurtured that love throughout her years in school and mastered her passion at the University of Louisville. Though she studied several mediums during her undergraduate experience, she went on to receive her BA in the Visual Arts with focuses on painting and fiber arts.
Donyalle, better known as “Donnie,” continues to work as a full-time artist, exploring the realms of education, community engagement, muralism, and project management. She strongly believes that artmaking is a therapeutic practice and encourages healing through the process of creation. By producing bold and vibrant artwork, she accentuates her own lived experience as a black woman and brings nuance to the rich spiritual foundation that has kept her grounded.
Through continued creation, she hopes to build on previous experiences and gain inspiration that will aid in future efforts to bring more fine art and resources to underserved communities.
Classes:
- Thursday, May 16, 6:00 p.m. Symmetrical Motion Drawing workshop
- Thursday, May 23, 6:00 p.m. Blind Contour Self-Portrait workshop
- Thursday, May 30, 6:00 p.m. Galactic Glow Paint & Tea Sip
Registration is required, please email Liz.Magee@lfpl.org
June
Olivia Cole - Author
Olivia A. Cole is the author of seven novels, most recently Dear Medusa and Where the Lockwood Grows. Olivia’s essays have been published by Bitch Media, Real Simple, The L.A. Times, HuffPost, Teen Vogue, Gay Mag, and others.
Ariel Crashes a Train, Olivia’s second novel-in-verse, will be released in Spring 2024.
Classes:
- Tuesday, June 4, 3:30 p.m. “Where I’m From” and Writing About Anger
- Thursday, June 15, 11:00 a.m. The Things We Carry poetry workshop
- Tuesday, June 25, 5:30 p.m. Making Visual Poems
Registration is required, please email Liz.Magee@lfpl.org
Online Learning
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) is a premier online learning resource offering more than 16,000 courses available in 7 different languages covering technical skills, creative techniques, business strategies, and more - free with your library card*.
Note: If you are using the LinkedIn Learning app, you will need to enter louisvillefreepubliclibrary when it asks for a Library ID during setup.
*Library cards must be in good standing to access all library services, including LinkedIn Learning. Cards in good standing will have an account balance under $10 and current registration information.
Treehouse
Treehouse is an online, self-paced learning platform that teaches you how to design and develop websites or mobile apps. Classes include coding languages like HTML, Javascript, PHP, Python, Ruby and much more.
Learning with Treehouse is project-based, so you learn by doing with access to over 1,300 videos. Projects are taught through a combination of short videos, code challenges, and quizzes to maximize engagement. You keep track of your accomplishments through gamification - earning badges to mark your progress.
Treehouse is free with your library card, but if demand exceeds the available number of allotted Treehouse licenses, LFPL will implement a check-out policy similar to checking out a book. Please note: Treehouse accounts that have no activity for 21 days may be disabled to make room for a new active user.
LearningExpress
Prepare for academic and professional exams (ACT, SAT, GED, GRE, LSAT, Postal Exam, CDL, Nursing, Real Estate, etc.), get resume writing help, and search for jobs and internships.
Language Learning
In-Person Language Learning
Looking for in-person language learning resources? Find a program on our calendar.
Transparent Language
Explore a new language at the library, at home, or on the go using any Internet-connected device. Available in 110+ languages, including ESL/ELL.
Pimsleur Language Programs
Pimsleur Language Programs are available as downloadable audiobooks in Overdrive.
Podcasts
Welcome to LFPL's "At the Library" series, an ongoing podcast featuring author talks, programs, and events at the Louisville Free Public Library.
