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.

Kentucky Author Forum Presents: Kevin Wilson

Wed., Sep 16, 6 PM – 7:30 PM, South Central Regional Library

Louisville Free Public Library, Kentucky Author Forum, and Carmichael’s Bookstore present bestselling author Kevin Wilson in conversation with Erin Keane discussing his latest novel Run for the Hills . Infused with deadpan wit, zany hijinks, and enormous heart, Run for the Hills is a sibling story like no other—a novel about a family forged under the most unlikely circumstances and united by hope in an unknown future.

Presented by Carmichael's Bookstore. Books will be available for purchase. This is a free event, but space is limited, so registration is requested.

NYT Bestselling Author Mercury Stardust

Thu., Oct 8, 6 PM – 7 PM, Northeast Regional Library

Mercury Stardust will delight with her one-woman show and discussion of her new book, Lost and Found: A Compassionate Guide to Homeownership. In this successor to the #1 New York Times bestseller Safe and Sound, Stardust demystifies the path to homeownership and sets you up for home-owning success. Learn about the ups and downs of the house hunting process—from putting in an offer to going through inspections, closing, and renovation.

Presented by Carmichael's Bookstore. Books will be available for purchase. This is a free event, but space is limited, so registration is requested.

Note: By request of the author, masks are encouraged for this event.

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.

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

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.

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.

Classes:

Tuesday, September 8, 5:30 p.m. Create Custom Doormats **CLASS FULL**
Saturday, September 26, 2:00 p.m. Girls' Night! Create Custom Glassware
Sunday, September 27, 3:00 p.m. Create Paper Wreaths

Registration is required.

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.

CALL FOR CHEFS! January-June 2027 Chef Residencies

Northeast Regional Library is looking for chefs to take part in our Chef-in-Residence Program, a new endeavor designed to bring people together through food, culture, and creativity. Applications deadline is August 31st, 2026 at 11:59pm.

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

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.