Authors at the Library
UofL Liberal Studies Visiting Scholars presents Professor of British History at American University Laura Beers
Wednesday, March 19, 7 p.m. • Main Library
Seventy-five years after 1984 was first published, Orwell’s ideas and warnings are invoked today by politicians on both the right and the left. But what does ‘Orwellian’ really mean? What would the man himself say about these crises and what can we learn from his ideas? Historian Laura Beers will discuss Orwell in all his complexity, exploring his commitment to political liberty and economic justice, alongside his undeniable chauvinism.
A book signing will follow the event, with books available for purchase from Carmichael’s Bookstore.
DIY TikToker Mercury Stardust, author of Safe and Sound: A Renter-Friendly Guide to Home Repair
Saturday, March 22, 4 p.m. • Main Library
If you’ve been on TikTok in the last few years, chances are you’ve run across the content of Mercury Stardust, otherwise known as the Trans Handy Ma’am. Mercury is an author, activist, performer, and home repair and maintenance educator with over two million followers online. Join Mercury Stardust for a discussion of her book Safe and Sound: A Renter-Friendly Guide to Home Repair.
A book signing will follow the event, with books available for purchase from Carmichael’s Bookstore.
Carmichael’s Bookstore presents New York Times bestselling author John Scalzi
Tuesday, March 25, 7 p.m • Main Library
From one of the most popular science fiction writers of his generation comes an entirely serious take on a decidedly unserious subject: what would happen if the moon suddenly turned into a giant ball of cheese. Join John Scalzi for a discussion of his latest book, When the Moon Hits Your Eye.
A book signing will follow the event, 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.
Living Well: Philosophy for Everyday Life
Mondays, March 10 – 31, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., Main Library
In this four-class series, University of Louisville Professor of Philosophy and internationally recognized boredom expert Andreas Elpidorou explores profound questions about human existence. Drawing on philosophical insights, contemporary psychological research, art, and real-life examples, the classes examine the harms and benefits of boredom, the challenges posed by mortality, the role of work in our lives, and the tools that we need to cultivate purpose, build lasting relationships, and achieve fulfillment.
Andreas Elpidorou is a Professor of Philosophy and the Director of the Liberal Studies Program at the University of Louisville. He specializes in the philosophical study of the mind and has published extensively on the nature of emotions, consciousness, and cognition. He has been featured in BBC News, Forbes, Nautilus, Nature, Fast Company, Vogue, Business Insider, and more. He is the authors of "Propelled: How Boredom, Frustration, and Anticipation Lead us to the Good Life," and the soon to be published "The Anatomy of Boredom." Learn more about his work at https://elpidorou.net/
This 4-week program is presented by MyLibraryU and is free and open to the public. Registration is requested online below 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.
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
The COLLIDER Artist-in-Residence program is now accepting applications for residencies from July-December 2025. All interested artists — including visual artists, traditional craftspeople, musicians, dancers, digital artists, writers, and more — are encouraged to apply.
Application Deadline: Monday, March 31, 2025 11:59 p.m.
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.
March
Amber Weiand - Balloon Artist
Amber Weiand is a balloon artist and owner of Fossi Lou Balloons. After first twisting balloons at age 10, Amber rediscovered this long buried skill in 2019, and soon became a professional balloon artist after attending the Twist and Shout international balloon twisting convention when it came to Louisville.
Amber is excited to share her passion for balloons with Library patrons, and eager to introduce the world to how amazing, challenging, and multi-faceted the art form of balloons can be. See her work at www.fossilouballoons.com
Classes:
- Saturday, March 08, 11:00 a.m. Kids Balloon Workshop *CLASS IS FULL*
- Saturday, March 15, 11:00 a.m. Beginner Balloon Twisting Workshop
- Saturday, March 22, 11:00 a.m. Fantasy Flower Balloon Workshop
- Tuesday, March 25, 6:00 p.m. Balloon Jam
Registration is required, please email Liz.Magee@lfpl.org
April
Shauntrice Martin - Sculptor/Photographer
Shauntrice Martin is a mother, curator, and artist living in Kentucky. Her work explores identity, and antiquity through textile, sculpture, and photography, and has been featured at the Speed Art Museum, Kennedy Center, and Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture & History. You can see her work at www.chahtanoir.org
In the summer of 2024 Shauntrice curated the Black Future Fest, a celebration of Black art & culture in Louisville. She also created the arts equity program OKIKE that has helped Black artists earn more than $500K in revenue since its creation. Follow her journey on social media www.instagram.com/blackartistsgetpaid/ and on her website: www.BlackArtistsGetPaid.com.
Classes:
- Thursday, April 03, 5:30 p.m. Sensory Fabric Weaving
- Thursday, April 17, 5:30 p.m. Textured Nature Prints
- Thursday, April 24, 5:30 p.m. Beading & Cultural Adornment
- Sunday, April 27, 3:00 p.m. Artist Talk with Shauntrice Martin
Registration is required, please email Liz.Magee@lfpl.org
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
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.
Online Learning
BrainFuse
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
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
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.
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
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.
