Lifelong Learning | Louisville Free Public Library

Authors at the Library

PLEASE NOTE: The Main Library is undergoing renovations and author program venues are temporarily shifting to other locations. Double-check the locations of these events before registering.

Additional Author Events

Visit 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.

Thomas Jefferson and Natural History, with Dr. Lee Dugatkin

Thursdays, Jun. 25 - July 16, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM, South Central Regional Library

From an argument with the world’s leading natural historian, to his role in the first museum in the United States, his involvement in a 1792 expedition West that would have made Lewis and Clark's journey an historical footnote, and his obsessions with Hessian flies - Dr. Lee Dugatkin will explore Thomas Jefferson’s important role in early American natural history in this four-week Short Course.

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

Week 1 Presentation

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.

The World of Martha Washington

Tues., Jul. 28, 6 PM – 7:30 PM, St. Matthews Library

Although in recent years the "Founding Mothers" have been well represented in popular history, the first, First Lady, Martha Washington, is often absent. As the United States celebrates the 250th Anniversary of its founding, Martha Washington’s life story and legacy demonstrate the complexity of identity during the eighteenth-century. By analyzing Washington as a wife, mother, businesswoman, enslaver and reluctant politician we can gain a better understanding of women's experiences during the revolutionary and founding eras.

This MyLibraryU Fast Class will be presented by Dr. Laura Ping, Assistant Professor of History at Bellarmine University.

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 Louisville Metro Council 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.

Applications are currently closed. The next round of COLLIDER applications will open September 1, 2026.

July

Berkley Collins - Crochet Artist

Berkley Collins is a Crochet Artist, instructor, and the creator of Fox In The Wood. Berkley used personal setbacks as a launching pad to bring her art to the world, and found purpose and passion in making affordable art and art education accessible to the community. “Life feels like magic again, and I want to pass that feeling on to as many people as possible. I believe everyone has the ability to crochet, and together, we can do amazing things.”

Classes:

Thursday, July 9, 11 a.m. Intro to Crochet *CLASS FULL*
Thursday, July 16, 11 a.m. Amigurumi Bees *CLASS FULL*
Sunday, July 26, 2 p.m. Plastic Sleeping Mats Community Project

Registration is required.

August

Isabelle Ballard - Painter

Isabelle Ballard is a Kentucky-based painter whose work uses animals and natural settings to explore emotion, identity, and memory. Influenced by her time spent living in Costa Rica, her paintings invite viewers to see the natural world as a reflection of human experience. She lives and works in Danville, Kentucky.

Classes:

Saturday, August 15, 10:30 a.m. The Way Artists See - Learn to Paint from Life
Saturday, August 22, 10:30 a.m. If You Were an Animal - A Creative Self-Portrait
Saturday, August 29, 10:30 a.m. Build Your Own World - An Ecosystem Art Project

Registration is required.

September

Ariel Snow - Cricut Connoisseur

Ariel Snow’s passion for designing and creating naturally evolved into a commitment to teaching others the creative possibilities of Cricut crafting. By combining her love of crafting with approachable instruction, she helps learners build confidence and expand their creative skills. During her residency, Ariel will teach innovative Cricut techniques that extend beyond traditional projects, encouraging participants to explore new ideas and think creatively. She looks forward to fostering community through art and crafting while making Cricut tools accessible, engaging, and inspiring for creators of all skill levels.

October

Kyle Dixon - Painter

Kyle Dixon is a watercolor artist who started his creative journey as a musician and composer. After finishing his masters in music composition and theory, he moved to Louisville and taught with JCPS, where he began to draw mazes for students. Eventually Kyle developed a passion for watercolor, and fused the mediums together into his illustrations.

He’s been featured in Artists and Afros, the St. James Art Fair, Friendfest, the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, and has published a book of mazes. His art goal is to be able to draw anything, and he encourages his students to develop and utilize their art skills to draw the world around them.

November

Daviona Duncan - Multi-disciplinary artist

Daviona Duncan is a multidisciplinary artist and entrepreneur who transforms creative visions into reality through a diverse range of artistic mediums. Combining her passion for art with expertise in custom goods, she creates everything from specialty treats and commissioned artwork to wearable art, delivering unique and thoughtfully crafted experiences.

December

Allan Day - Musician

Allan Day is a Louisville-based musician, writer, and event organizer whose work spans multiple genres and disciplines. He performs with several musical projects, including his solo act Moonwatcher, and draws inspiration from themes of humanity, nature, and the human experience. In addition to his music career, Allan is an award-winning playwright and filmmaker, and works as a substitute teacher.

Chef-in-Residence

Yes, Chef!, Northeast Regional Library’s paid Chef-in-Residence program, connects the public with chefs, bakers, food creators, culinary artists, or anyone passionate about sharing their love of cooking with the community. Residencies include workshops, demonstrations, and community engagement.

View our current list of chefs below or see our past presenters.

The Library’s Chef-in-Residence is made possible through grant funding from the City of Lyndon.

July

Yes, Chef! SUMMER EDITION

Monday, July 6, 10 AM: Yes, Chef! Snack and Play with Norton Healthcare ***CLASS IS FULL***
Join Norton Healthcare for a storytime and fun, hands-on class where kids explore food through stories, crafts, movement games, and simple cooking activities. Children will learn kitchen safety, practice handwashing, stay active, and build confidence while creating tasty treats together. Best for ages 4-8.
This program is at max capacity.

Thursday, July 16, 6 PM: Yes, Chef! Invisibly Allergic Author Talk with Zoe Slaughter
Local author Zoë Slaughter will lead an accessible conversation about food allergies, advocacy, healthcare, disability, and growing up with a life-threatening food allergy. Teens are especially encouraged to attend, as the memoir was intentionally written with young people in mind who are navigating increasing independence. Best for ages 13-adult.
REGISTER NOW

Thursday, July 23, 5:30 PM: Yes, Chef! Japanese Cooking Workshop for Teens with the LEE Initiative
The LEE Initiative’s Skill Kitchen will present a special teens-only cooking workshop where participants will work together in small groups to prepare hiyashi chūka and gyoza, while learning basic cooking techniques and exploring ingredients, flavors, and cultural connections within Japanese cuisine. Best for ages 13-18.
REGISTER NOW

Wednesday, July 29, 2 PM: Yes, Chef! Plant a Salsa Garden with 4-H
4-H presents this hands-on program where kids will make salsa from scratch, enjoy a craft, and plant seeds to take home for growing their own salsa garden. Best for ages 6-12.
REGISTER NOW

August

Meg Staten

Meg Staten is a Louisville-based chef, educator, and founder of Meg’s Magical Morsels, a licensed bakery known for creative, meticulously crafted desserts. With a background in education, event management, and human resources, plus more than a decade of professional experience—including leadership roles at Walt Disney World resorts—she blends strategic expertise with culinary skill. Passionate about innovation and community impact, Meg creates elevated traditional and gluten-friendly baked goods while supporting local nonprofits through initiatives like Cupcakes for a Cause.

Classes:

Saturday, August 15, 2 PM: Baking Breakfast: Make Ahead Magic for Busy Mornings REGISTER
Saturday, August 22, 2 PM: Coffee University: The Science and Magic Behind Delicious Coffee REGISTER
Tuesday, August 25, 6 PM: Living with Celiac: Finding the Magic in Safe Cooking and Confident Living REGISTER

Registration is required to attend Yes, Chef! in-person classes.

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.

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

Person listening to a audio from a tablet

Welcome to LFPL's "At the Library" series, an ongoing podcast featuring author talks, programs, and events at the Louisville Free Public Library.