Lifelong Learning

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.

Spalding University presents Paisley Rekdal

Tue., Nov 17, 6 – 7 PM, The Brown Hotel (335 W. Broadway) 

Celebrate with 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.

West: A Translation features documentary, persona and lyric poems commemorating 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. Rekdal will give a public presentation and participate in a 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. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is requested.

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:

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.

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

Tues., Nov. 10, 6 PM – 7:30 PM, South Central Library

From the rise of Cyrus the Great and the Achaemenid Empire to the flourishing intellectual world of the Islamic Golden Age, this talk will explore the deep historical legacy of Persia and Iran. It introduces the major political transformations that shaped the region, alongside the development of Zoroastrian, Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions within Persian lands. The great literary, artistic, and scientific achievements that connected Iran to wider Eurasian cultures will offer a clear, accessible overview of how Iran’s ancient and medieval past continues to influence our modern world.

This MyLibraryU Fast Class will be presented by Dr. Brad Bowman, Associate Professor and director of Middle East Studies at University of Louisville.

This program is presented by MyLibraryU and is free and open to the public. Registration is requested online or by calling (502) 574-1623.

Extinction Happens: Lessons from the Fossil Record

Wed., Dec. 2, 6 PM – 7:30 PM, Bon Air Library

Our Earth has borne witness to over 4.5 billion years of enormous geological, paleontological, and environmental change. The rocks of the crust of our planet are a record of this history, with each rock layer representing past intervals of geologic time. This presentation will highlight how the science of paleontology reveals that history through a lens of deep time, revealing amazing stories of extinction and adaptation throughout the history of life.

This MyLibraryU Fast Class will be presented by Dr. Katherine Bulinski, Professor of Geosciences 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.

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.

November

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:

• Saturday, November 7, 10am : Weekly Breakfast Prep for Busy Lives
• Sunday, November 15, 2pm: Salad Prep and Homemade Dressings
• Saturday, November 21, 2pm: Cook Once, Eat All Week

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

December

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:

• Saturday, December 5, 11am : Rollin' with the Homies for the Holidays
• Saturday, December 19, 3pm: The Art of Charcuterie
• Sunday, December 27, 2pm: Brunch and Bubbly: A Holiday Brunch

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

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.

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.

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