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.

A Special Storytime with children's author and illustrator Alex Willan

Sun., Oct 25, 2 – 4 PM, South Central Regional Library

Join children’s author and illustrator Alex Willan for his newest installment in The Worst! series. When Gilbert the Goblin and his pal Chicken go camping together, they run into creatures that go bump in the night!

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

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.

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.

October

Ravina Rajkumar

Ravina Rajkumar, a Holistic Chef and founder of Mango+Seed: A Holistic Indo-Caribbean Kitchen, has been creating dishes since childhood and brings commercial restaurant experience to her craft. Driven by her background cooking for her children with Celiac Disease and severe food allergies, she specializes in nourishing, clean, allergy-safe cuisine of high quality tailored for pregnancy, postpartum, and families.

Classes:

• Saturday, October 3, 2pm : Clean-Eating Foodies
• Saturday, October 10, 2pm: A Taste of Guyana: Indo-Caribbean Cuisine
• Saturday, October 17, 2pm: Cozy Autumn Soup & Bake

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.