Authors at the Library
The Birth of the American Research University with Michael T. Benson
Tuesday, August 27, 6:30 p.m. • Main Library
LFPL and the Filson Historical Society welcome former EKU and current Coastal Carolina University president, Michael T. Benson, to the Main Library for a discussion of his book Daniel Coit Gilman and the Birth of the American Research University.
Gilman may not be a household name, but under his leadership as the first president of Johns Hopkins University in 1876, many of the university elements that he instituted—graduate fellowships, an emphasis on primary investigations and discovery, funding for laboratory and research spaces, scholarly journals, etc.—are now the standard. Gilman’s trailblazing efforts also influenced the work of Louisvillian and educator Abraham Flexner, as well as Transylvania graduate Dr. Hugh Toland, who founded the medical school that is now UC San Francisco.
This event is free and open to the public. Click the Register button below or call (502) 574-1644.
A book signing will follow, with books available for purchase from Carmichael’s Bookstore.
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.
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.
How Evolution Works
Tuesdays, July 23 – August 13, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., Main Library
There’s a famous quote in science that reads “Nothing in biology makes any sense except in the light of evolution.” In this four week course led by Dr. Lee Dugatkin, evolutionary biologist and historian of science in the Department of Biology at the University of Louisville, we will learn how evolutionary biology is the glue that holds all of science together by digging into how natural selection operates on everything from molecules and genes to behavior and development.
This program is presented by MyLibraryU and is free and open to the public. Registration is requested online or by calling (502) 574-1623.
Downloads
May It Please the Court: History, Doctrines, and Decisions of the US Supreme Court
Tuesdays, September 3 – 24, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., Main Library
The United States Supreme Court is both a high court of law and a third branch of the federal government. While described by Alexander Hamilton as the “least dangerous” branch of the federal government, the US Supreme Court has developed a unique role in the governance and cultural life of the United States. This course surveys the Supreme Court’s history, its important people, its doctrines, and highlights some of its landmark decisions.
This program is presented by MyLibraryU and is free and open to the public. Registration is requested online or by calling (502) 574-1623.
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.
Connecting Across Communities: Audre Lorde's Legacy
Wednesday, October 30, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., Main Library
In 1981, Black lesbian educator, writer, and activist, Audre Lorde said: “Those of us who stand outside the circle of this society’s definition of acceptable…know that survival is not an academic skill…” Focusing on the work and activism of Audre Lorde, Dr. Story will discuss Lorde’s legacy of using our collective differences as a springboard for societal change and explore Lorde’s transgressive strategy, as a means for us to connect with one another across community lines.
This program is presented by MyLibraryU and is free and open to the public. Registration is requested online or by calling (502) 574-1623.
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.
July
Nancy DeSanctis - Mixed Media Sculptor
Nancy DeSanctis is an artist and former art educator dedicated to fostering personal creativity and art accessibility. She earned a BFA in sculpture at the University of Kentucky, where she discovered her true artistic passion inspired by the concept of play. Believing that we all carry a piece of our childhood with us, Nancy explores how to continue experiencing the imaginative and whimsical side of play in our adult lives. Her sculptures and installations play with the viewers both mentally and physically, and allow and encourage them to play back.
Whether you are a seasoned artist or a beginner, young or old, Nancy creates a supportive environment aimed at sparking inspiration and encouraging experimentation to bring everyone closer to the playful spirit of childhood we so often leave behind.
Classes:
- Friday, July 19, 1:00 p.m. Upcycled Animals: Transforming Trash into Treasured Art *CANCELED DUE TO ILLNESS*
- Saturday, July 20, 1:00 p.m. Garden Stepping Stone: Crafting Nature's Path *CANCELED DUE TO ILLNESS*
- Saturday, July 27, 1:00 p.m. 3-D Fiber Forms: Crafting Sculptural Textiles
Registration is required, please email Liz.Magee@lfpl.org
August
Kristen Gentry - Author
Kristen Gentry is the author of Mama Said, which was longlisted for the 2024 PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize for Debut Short Story Collection. She received her M.F.A. from Indiana University. Her award-winning fiction has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize, and appeared in Electric Literature, Crab Orchard Review, and other journals. She is a VONA and Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference alumna, former Director of Creative Writing at SUNY Geneseo, and a member of the inaugural Poets & Writers publicity incubator for debut writers. Kristen lives and writes in her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.
Classes:
- Tuesday, August 6, 6:00 p.m. for Black girls–and their allies–who have considered not writing / when they are enuf: Finding Your Magic
- Wednesday, August 14, 6:00 p.m. Steal Like an Artist
- Thursday, August 22, 6:00 p.m. Mess Around and Find Out: Playing on the Page to Break Through Blocks
Registration is required, please email Liz.Magee@lfpl.org
September
Tone Vallejo - Painter/Mixed Media Artist
Tone Vallejo is a self-taught visual artist with a background in photography, painting, and mixed media. Her work is abstract and influenced by music, street art, and color. Tone has worked alongside many local artists to create public art to beautify Louisville, including her work with The Healing Walls Project (2021) and her current role as assisting artist with Monet' Murals. Tone is also an art educator and loves working with and mentoring young people.
October
Jillian Timberlake - Modern Kintsugi Artist
Jillian Timberlake is a writer, speaker, Modern Kintsugi artist, and the author of the award-winning memoir Streams of Gold. Jillian also founded Beautifully Broken, a creative initiative to help others find the beauty within the broken pieces of their lives through Modern Kintsugi (“golden repair”), inspirational writings, and experiential workshops. She recently released her second book, Gold & Clay: Exploring the Pieces of Your Own Story. You can connect with Jillian via the Beautifully Broken website.
November
Newton Finnigan Herrera - Printmaker, Illustrator, and Seamster
Newt Herrera is a lifelong comic book fan and recent graduate of Indiana University Southeast, where they graduated with a BFA in graphic design and a minor in printmaking. A jack-of-all-trades in terms of art, Newt wants to try everything at least once. In their practice, Newt aims to create the kinds of art they would have wanted to see as a child, from soft toys to silly characters, their goal is to allow youthful imaginations to run wild. And as an autistic adult, they strive to create a safe place for people of all ages to express their true selves and create the art they dream of.
December
Haley Banks - Fiber Artist
Haley Banks is a fiber artist and has crocheted and knitted for over 13 years. A graduate of UofL, Haley is now a full-time fiber artist that specializes in both physical fiber products and digital patterns within her crochet brands. She works to connect with small businesses in the area to advocate for local women-owned businesses in the community and loves to teach others to create. Haley states that there is no other place like Louisville when it comes to artists and makers, and is thankful to live in a place that provides abundant inspiration and support for creators like herself.
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.
