Lifelong Learning

Authors at the Library

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Portrait of author Paisley Rekdal

Featured Author Event

Spalding University Presents Paisley Rekdal

 


6–7 PM

The Brown Hotel
335 W. Broadway, Louisville, KY

 

Join award-winning poet, author, and educator Paisley Rekdal as she accepts the 2026 Spalding Prize for the Promotion of Peace and Justice in Literature and discusses her acclaimed collection, West: A Translation.

Through documentary, persona, and lyric poetry, West: A Translation commemorates the 150th anniversary of the completion of the U.S. transcontinental railroad. The collection also explores the experiences of Chinese immigrants who faced mistreatment at Angel Island.

The evening includes a public presentation and book signing. Presented in partnership with Spalding University’s Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing.

Books will be available for purchase from Carmichael’s Bookstore .

Register for This Event 

Discover More Author Events

Meet writers, explore new books, and enjoy engaging conversations at library locations throughout Louisville. Discover upcoming readings, discussions, and author visits.

Explore All Author Events 

The Craig Buthod Author Series

Named in honor of former library director Craig Buthod, this endowed program brings award-winning and New York Times bestselling authors to Louisville.

Formerly known as Authors at the Library, the series was endowed in 2015 through the generosity of donors to the Library Foundation.

Help bring exceptional authors to Louisville. Your support helps sustain the Craig Buthod Author Series.

Support the Author Series 

Welcome to MyLibraryU

Speaker addressing a crowd

Whether you've been out of school for a while and miss the learning experience, or you're considering college or returning to finish your degree, MyLibraryU connects you with new, free learning opportunities.

Short Courses at the Library

Experience college-style learning without tuition or prerequisites. Taught by professors and experts, these multi-session courses may include readings, discussions, or field trips. All courses are free and open to everyone.

Fast Classes at the Library

Learn something new in a single session! Led by local experts, Fast Classes explore current events, literature, science, history, and practical skills. All classes are free and open to everyone.

Upcoming Short Courses

No Short Courses are currently scheduled. Check back soon for new opportunities to learn with local professors and experts.

Upcoming Fast Classes

Dr. Brad Bowman

MyLibraryU Fast Class

The Legacy of Persia and Iran: From Persepolis to the Silk Road


6–7:30 PM

South Central Regional Library

Explore the rich historical legacy of Persia and Iran, from Cyrus the Great and the Achaemenid Empire to the intellectual achievements of the Islamic Golden Age.

Discover the political transformations, religious traditions, literature, art, and scientific developments that connected Iran to cultures across Eurasia—and continue to influence our world today.

Presenter: Dr. Brad Bowman, Associate Professor and Director of Middle East Studies at the University of Louisville.

Register online or call (502) 574-1623.

Register for This Fast Class 

Dr. Katherine Bulinski

MyLibraryU Fast Class

Extinction Happens: Lessons from the Fossil Record


6–7:30 PM

Bon Air Library

Travel through 4.5 billion years of Earth's history and discover how fossils and rock layers reveal extraordinary stories of extinction, survival, and adaptation.

Learn how paleontologists use the fossil record to understand the evolution of life and the dramatic environmental changes that have shaped our planet.

Presenter: Dr. Katherine Bulinski, Professor of Geosciences at Bellarmine University.

Register online or call (502) 574-1623.

Register for This Fast Class 

Missed a Fast Class or Short Course?

Some previous MyLibraryU classes and author events are available to enjoy as podcasts. Catch up on conversations and discoveries whenever it's convenient.

Explore Library Podcasts 

COLLIDER Artist-in-Residence Program

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. 

Explore our current and upcoming artists below, or view our previous COLLIDER artists .

November

Daviona Duncan, multidisciplinary artist

Daviona Duncan

Multidisciplinary 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.

Classes & Events

December

Allan Day, Louisville musician

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.

Classes & Events

Chef-in-Residence

Yes, Chef! Northeast Regional Library Chef-in-Residence Program

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.

Explore our current and upcoming chefs below, or view our past Yes, Chef! presenters .

November

Jes Chapman, Louisville home cook and cooking educator

Jes Chapman

Jes Chapman, a Louisville-based home cook and community cooking educator, believes that "EVERYbody cooks" and brings a lifelong love of play and experimentation to her craft. Inspired by generations of family cooking, she has been teaching Cooking Matters classes with Dare to Care since 2022, helping people build confidence in planning, preparing, and enjoying simple, adaptable everyday meals.

Classes & Events

Registration required: Advance registration is required to attend Yes, Chef! in-person classes. Select a class above for details and registration.

December

Chef Stephen King Jr., Louisville culinary educator

Stephen King, Jr.

Chef Stephen King Jr., a Louisville native and culinary graduate of JCTC, has been passionate about cooking since childhood and brings professional baking experience and a love of hospitality to his craft. With degrees in Pan-African Studies, Psychology, and Conflict Management, he believes food is an expression of care, creativity, and connection. As a culinary educator, he strives to help people build confidence in the kitchen, develop practical cooking skills, and discover the joy of nourishing family and friends.

Classes & Events

Registration required: Advance registration is required to attend Yes, Chef! in-person classes. Select a class above for details and registration.

Online Learning

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Arts, Hobbies & Documentaries 

BingePass

Discover a world of learning with hoopla BingePass! Enjoy seven days of free access to educational platforms, including The Great Courses, Curiosity Stream, Creativebug, Craftsy, and Fret Zealot.

Explore documentaries, art classes, music lessons, DIY tutorials, and more at your own pace with your library card.

Explore BingePass  

Tutoring & Adult Education 

Brainfuse Adult Learning Center

Going back to school, changing careers, or preparing for the U.S. Citizenship Test? Brainfuse Adult Learning Center provides resources to help you succeed.

Access live tutoring, practice tests, and learning resources designed for adult learners.

Access Brainfuse  

Test Preparation & Careers 

LearningExpress Library

Prepare for academic and professional exams with LearningExpress Library. Find study materials and practice tests for exams such as:

ACT, SAT, GED, GRE, LSAT, CDL, nursing, real estate, postal exams, and more.

You can also find résumé-writing assistance and resources for searching for jobs and internships.

Access LearningExpress  

Technology, Business & Professional Skills 

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) provides access to thousands of online courses covering technology, creative skills, business strategies, and professional development.

Explore courses in multiple languages, free with your LFPL library card.

Using the LinkedIn Learning app?

When prompted for your Library ID, enter:

louisvillefreepubliclibrary

Access LinkedIn Learning  

Library card requirements: Library cards must be in good standing to access library services, including LinkedIn Learning. Cards in good standing have an account balance under $10 and current registration information.

Language Learning

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In-Person Language Learning

Classes & Conversation 

Looking to learn a new language or practice your conversation skills with others?

Explore language learning programs offered at Louisville Free Public Library locations.

Learn together: Find opportunities to practice, connect with other learners, and develop your language skills.

Find Language Programs  

Transparent Language

Online Language Courses 

Learn a new language at the library, at home, or on the go with Transparent Language.

Access learning materials for more than 110 languages, including English as a Second Language (ESL/ELL).

Learn anywhere: Use any internet-connected device to practice at your own pace.

Access Transparent Language  

Pimsleur Language Programs

Audio Language Lessons 

Learn a new language through listening and speaking with Pimsleur Language Programs.

These audio-based lessons help you develop conversation skills and understand your chosen language. They're ideal for learning during your commute, while exercising, or whenever you have time.

Available on OverDrive: Borrow downloadable language-learning audiobooks with your library card.

Explore Pimsleur Audiobooks  

hoopla Digital Language Learning

eBooks, Audiobooks & More 

Explore additional language-learning resources with hoopla Digital, available free with your LFPL library card.

Discover language-learning eBooks, audiobooks, and other digital materials to help you build vocabulary, improve pronunciation, and practice your listening and speaking skills.

Learn on your schedule: Browse and borrow language-learning materials to enjoy at home or on the go.

Explore Language Learning on hoopla  

Podcasts

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At the Library Podcast

Welcome to LFPL's At the Library, an ongoing podcast featuring author talks, engaging programs, and special events from the Louisville Free Public Library.

Listen to the Podcast

Listen on Your Favorite Platform

Subscribe or listen to At the Library using any of the following podcast services.

Spotify
Listen On iHeart Radio