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 – 7:30 PM, South Central Regional Library

**This Event is Full**

Louisville Free Public Library, Kentucky Author Forum, and Carmichael’s Bookstore present bestselling author Kevin Wilson in conversation with Salon.com Chief Content Officer Erin Keane. Wilson will discuss his latest novel Run for the Hills, 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.

Books will be available for purchase. This is a free event, but space is limited. Registration is requested.

NYT bestselling author Mercury Stardust

Thu., Oct 8, 6 – 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. Registration is requested.

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

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:

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.

Call for Artists!

The Louisville Free Public Library has opened the artist application form for the next round of COLLIDER artist residency spots. We are looking for artists to fill the January-June 2027 paid residency spots. These residencies will be in-person.

COLLIDER applications will be accepted starting September 1, 2026. Application deadline is September 30, 2026.

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 **CLASS FULL**
Sunday, September 27, 3:00 p.m. Create Paper Wreaths **CLASS FULL**

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.

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

September

Lakisha Morris

Lakisha Morris is a KY State Fair Blue Ribbon-winning baker and the mastermind behind Pink Batter Cake Studio—an experiential space where cake meets community. She believes the best learning happens with a little laughter and a lot of frosting. Through hands-on workshops and interactive demos, Lakisha helps everyday people unlock their inner baker and turn curiosity into sweet creation.

Classes:

Saturday, September 19, 1 PM: Pink Batter Buttercream Lab: Smooth, Color & Create REGISTER
Wednesday, September 23, 5:30 PM: Pink Batter Chocolate Lab: Ganache, Drips & Delicious Transformations REGISTER
Friday, September 25, 2 PM: Pink Batter Flavor Lab: Sauces, Pairings & the Power of Balance 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.