Authors at the Library
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Cara Fitzpatrick discusses The Death of Public School
Tuesday, October 15, 7 p.m. • Main Library
Today, education is poised to become a private commodity rather than a universal good, and the very existence of the traditional public school is threatened, according to Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Cara Fitzpatrick. In her book The Death of Public School: How Conservatives Won the War Over Education in America, Fitzpatrick explores the long journey of school choice – from its evolution as a segregationist tool in the South in the 1950s, to a policy embraced by advocates for educational equity in the North, to a conservative strategy for securing government funds for private schools in the twenty-first century.
Join LFPL for this compelling discussion on the future of public schooling. Click the Register button below or call (502) 574-1644.
Carmichael’s Kids presents award-winning and bestselling children’s picture book author and illustrator Oliver Jeffers
Wednesday, October 23 at 6 p.m. • Main Library
Oliver Jeffers is the author/illustrator of the #1 New York Times bestseller and TIME Best Book of the Year Here We Are, as well the illustrator of the smash hit The Day the Crayons Quit. Join him for this free, family-friendly event as he reads from his newest picture book, Where to Hide a Star.
A book signing will follow the event with books available for purchase from Carmichael’s Kids Bookstore. Please note that the author will only sign books purchased at the event.
Spalding University and LFPL welcome New York Times bestselling author and poet Javier Zamora
Tuesday, November 12, 6 p.m. • Main Library
Author of the award-winning and best-selling memoir Solito, Javier Zamora is the recipient of the 2024 Spalding Prize for the Promotion of Peace and Justice in Literature. He will give a public talk at the Main Library (301 York St.) on Tuesday, November 12, at 6 p.m., as part of Spalding University’s Festival of Contemporary Writing. The author talk is presented in partnership between the Naslund-Mann Graduate School of Writing at Spalding University, the Louisville Free Public Library, and the Library Foundation.
This event is free and open to the public. Click the Register button below or call (502) 574-1644.
A book signing will follow, with books provided by 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.
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.
Connecting Across Communities: Audre Lorde's Legacy
Wednesday, October 30, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., Main Library
In 1981, Black lesbian educator, writer, and activist, Audre Lorde said: “Those of us who stand outside the circle of this society’s definition of acceptable…know that survival is not an academic skill…” Focusing on the work and activism of Audre Lorde, Dr. Kaila Story (Associate Professor, Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies) will discuss Lorde’s legacy of using our collective differences as a springboard for societal change and explore Lorde’s transgressive strategy, as a means for us to connect with one another across community lines.
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
We are currently accepting applications for COLLIDER Artist residencies for January-June 2025. All interested artists — including visual artists, traditional craftspeople, musicians, dancers, digital artists, writers, and more — are encouraged to apply.
Application Deadline: Monday, September 30, 2024 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.
September
Tone Vallejo - Painter/Mixed Media Artist
Tone Vallejo is a self-taught visual artist with a background in photography, painting, and mixed media. Her work is abstract and influenced by music, street art, and color. Tone has worked alongside many local artists to create public art to beautify Louisville, including her work with The Healing Walls Project (2021) and her current role as assisting artist with Monet' Murals. Tone is also an art educator and loves working with and mentoring young people.
Classes:
- Thursday, September 5, 1:00 p.m. Cyanotype Workshop
- Saturday, September 14, 12:00 p.m. Mixed Media Self Portrait Workshop - **REGISTRATION IS FULL**
- Monday, September 23, 1:00 p.m. Abstract/Surrealism Painting Workshop - **REGISTRATION IS FULL**
Registration is required, please email Liz.Magee@lfpl.org
October
Jillian Timberlake - Modern Kintsugi Artist
Jillian Timberlake is a writer, speaker, Modern Kintsugi artist, and the author of the award-winning memoir Streams of Gold. Jillian also founded Beautifully Broken, a creative initiative to help others find the beauty within the broken pieces of their lives through Modern Kintsugi (“golden repair”), inspirational writings, and experiential workshops. She recently released her second book, Gold & Clay: Exploring the Pieces of Your Own Story. You can connect with Jillian via the Beautifully Broken website.
Classes:
- Saturday, October 12, 1:00 p.m. Beautifully Broken Modern Kintsugi workshop: Exploring the Pieces of Your Own Story - **REGISTRATION IS FULL**
- Thursday, October 17, 10:00 a.m. Beautifully Broken Modern Kintsugi Grief workshop
- Tuesday, October 22, 6:00 p.m. Beautifully Broken Modern Kintsugi workshop: Breaking Free From Perfectionism
Registration is required, please email Liz.Magee@lfpl.org
November
Newton Finnigan Herrera - Printmaker, Illustrator, and Seamster
Newt Herrera is a lifelong comic book fan and recent graduate of Indiana University Southeast, where they graduated with a BFA in graphic design and a minor in printmaking. A jack-of-all-trades in terms of art, Newt wants to try everything at least once. In their practice, Newt aims to create the kinds of art they would have wanted to see as a child, from soft toys to silly characters, their goal is to allow youthful imaginations to run wild. And as an autistic adult, they strive to create a safe place for people of all ages to express their true selves and create the art they dream of.
December
Haley Banks - Fiber Artist
Haley Banks is a fiber artist and has crocheted and knitted for over 13 years. A graduate of UofL, Haley is now a full-time fiber artist that specializes in both physical fiber products and digital patterns within her crochet brands. She works to connect with small businesses in the area to advocate for local women-owned businesses in the community and loves to teach others to create. Haley states that there is no other place like Louisville when it comes to artists and makers, and is thankful to live in a place that provides abundant inspiration and support for creators like herself.
Online Learning
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.
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.
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.
