Authors at the Library
Author Nicki Jacobsmeyer
Monday, May 12, 7 p.m • Main Library
Marking the ridgelines and hearts of the Appalachians during the Great Depression, packhorse librarians delivered hope, one book at a time through President Roosevelt’s New Deal in 1933. Rural Author Nicki Jacobsmeyer, brings these courageous women and the community they served to life in Kentucky's Packhorse Librarians. Join us and get to know a beloved group of librarians through a presentation, Q&A, and book signing. Come honor and preserve the Kentucky packhorse librarians who inspired many to discover and dream through books
The event is free, but registration is requested by clicking below or calling (502) 574-1644. A book signing will follow the event, with books available for purchase from Carmichael’s Bookstore.
Spalding University presents bestselling author Nina LaCour
Tuesday, May 27, 6 p.m. • Main Library
Nina LaCour is the Michael L. Printz Award-winning and nationally bestselling author of six young adult novels, including Watch Over Me and We Are Okay. This author talk is presented by the Naslund-Mann Graduate School of Writing at Spalding University in conjunction with their spring residency.
The event is free, but registration is requested by clicking below or calling (502) 574-1644. A book signing will follow the event, with books available for purchase from Carmichael’s Bookstore.
Additional Author Events
Check out our calendar to discover exciting author events happening at our branches this month!
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.
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.
Law School 101
Organized in partnership with the Louisville Public Law Library, these four Fast Classes will discuss the basics of landlord-tenant, wills and probate, divorce and family law, and criminal law to enable attendees to know when to hire an attorney, how to handle simple legal matters themselves, and most importantly, how to avoid future legal problems.
Wills and Trusts
Main Library
Tues., June 3
6:30 PM – 8 PM
Landlord Tenant & Consumer Law
Main Library
Tues., June 10
6:30 PM – 8 PM
Divorce and Child Custody
Main Library
Tues., June 17
6:30 PM – 8 PM
Criminal law
Main Library
Tues., June 24
6:30 PM – 8 PM
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.
May
Norma Drish - Visual Artist/Teaching Artist
Norma Drish is a self-taught artist based in Louisville’s Southend, where she has created art for over 30 years. She is a teaching artist of fiber arts at The Little Loomhouse, as well as a Children’s Fine Arts teacher at LVA. Her work has shown at The Little Loomhouse, the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, Cane Roots Art Gallery in St. Croix, and the Speed Art Museum.
Norma creates portraits that capture the lives and cultures of those around her, exploring themes of human connection and identity. Her recent experience as the first plein-air artist-in-residence at The Little Loomhouse sparked a fascination with the delicate balance of nature and led to pressed flower work. She weaves together community engagement and the beauty of nature, creating multimedia pieces that incorporate natural fibers and elements from nature. See her work at www.facebook.com/normadrishart
Classes:
- Monday, May 5, 6:00 p.m. How to Make and Decorate Your Own Flower Press using upcycled materials ** CLASS FULL **
- Saturday, May 17, 1:00 p.m. Pressed Flower Art ** CLASS FULL **
- Monday, May 19, 6:00 p.m. Waterclolor Wildflowers ** CLASS FULL **
Registration is required, please email Liz.Magee@lfpl.org
June
Thomas Freese - Storyteller
Thomas Freese is an accomplished artist, storyteller, and author, with 12 books and 200 articles on his CV. His background as an art therapist is key to the educational and entertaining story programs he performs in schools, libraries, churches, assisted living, corporate and private parties. He is a member of the Kentucky Storytelling Association and works with Kentucky Arts Council, Poetry Out Loud and Arts for All grants to bring his storytelling to schools around Kentucky.
For more information on his books and visual art, visit www.thomaslfreese.com.
Classes:
- Saturday, Jun 7, 10:00 a.m. Origami Fun and Storytelling
- Monday, Jun 16, 11:00 a.m. Draw a Story Monday
- Friday, Jun 20, 1:00 p.m. Story Blocks
Registration is required, please email Liz.Magee@lfpl.org
Online Learning
Discover a world of learning with BingePass! Enjoy seven days of free access to top educational platforms like The Great Courses, Curiosity Stream, Creativebug, Craftsy, Fret Zealot, and more. From documentaries and art classes to music lessons and DIY tutorials, explore at your own pace with your library card.
Whether you are going back to school, switching jobs, or preparing for the US Citizenship Test, BrainFuse's Adult Learning Center is here to help. Resources include live tutoring and a library of practice tests.
LearningExpress Library helps you 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.
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*.
App users: 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 is a dynamic, self-paced online learning platform that empowers you to build in-demand tech skills—like web design, front-end and back-end development, mobile app creation, and more. With thousands of expert-led videos, interactive coding challenges, and hands-on projects, you’ll gain practical experience in languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, PHP, and SQL. Whether you're starting fresh or upskilling for a new career, Treehouse keeps you motivated with a gamified learning experience where you earn badges and track your progress as you grow.
Access to Treehouse is free with your library card and good for 21 days. At the end of the 21 days, access will automatically expire—much like an eBook. You are welcome to re-register immediately. If a spot is available, your access will be reactivated. If not, you will be added to a waiting list and notified once a spot is available.
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
Learn a new language the natural way with Pimsleur! These audio-based lessons help you speak and understand your chosen language quickly—perfect for learning on the go, anytime, anywhere.
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.
