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.

Gary Stewart: I Am From the Honky-Tonks with New York Times bestselling biographer Jimmy McDonough
In conversation with WFPK's Michael Young

Thursday, April 9, 6:30 PM, South Central Regional Library

In the mid-seventies, Kentucky native Gary Stewart’s crazed hits, including “She’s Actin’ Single (I’m Drinkin’ Doubles)” and “Drinkin’ Thing,” rocketed him to the top of the charts, earning him the admiration of Bob Dylan, The Allman Brothers Band, and Tanya Tucker. Within a few years though, he had flamed out and all-but-vanished from the music scene. That was until bestselling author Jimmy McDonough (Shakey: Neil Young’s Biography) barged his way into the spooky, Florida doublewide Stewart was hiding out in, beginning a nearly 40-year obsession with the musician.

Gary Stewart: I Am From the Honky Tonks is the outrageous tale of a true country outlaw, told in McDonough’s inimitable two-fisted style – a unique combination of oral history, vivid prose, and personal experience. Join the author in conversation with WFPK's Michael Young, the host of Roots n' Boots, the longest-running Americana/Alt Country radio show in the world.

A book signing will follow, with books available for purchase from Carmichael's.

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

Carmichael’s Kids presents Newbery Medal winner Linda Sue Park

Thursday, April 16, 6:00 PM, Northeast Regional Library

Join bestselling and Newbery Medal winning children’s author Linda Sue Park for a discussion of her new novel, Just One Gift. The book captures the diverse voices of a lively classroom discussion in a thought-provoking story told through linked poems.

Park is a renowned author of picture books and novels for young readers, including the Newbery Medal-winner A Single Shard and #1 New York Times-bestseller A Long Walk to Water.

This program is free but registration is requested online or by calling (502) 574-1623. A book signing will follow, with books available for purchase from Carmichael’s Kids.  

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.

 

 

Who Believes and Why?: the Causes and Consequences of Conspiracy Theories, with Dr. Adam Enders

Wed., Mar. 18, 6 PM – 7:30 PM, South Central Regional Library

Learn which ideas count as conspiracy theories, why and how many people believe them, how conspiracy theorizing has changed (or not) over time, and what the potential consequences are. Along the way, we will examine how people process information online and think through big questions about the nature of truth.

This program is presented by MyLibraryU and is free and open to the public.

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, 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.

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 July-December 2026 paid residency spots. These residencies will be in-person.

The application deadline is March 31, 2025.

March

Heba Hanbali - Fiber Artist

Fiber artist and owner of Don't Call Me Heather, LLC, Heba Hanbali is a Queer Muslim Palestinian American woman living with chronic illnesses and disabilities. She created DCMH as a way to foster community online and in-person, especially for those who have ever felt "othered." Her art is primarily in the form of micro-crochet, crochet, embroidery, bead art, and up-cycling. She makes everything from accessories to garments, and bags to wall art. Her micro-crochet earrings and necklaces are a hit with makers and fiber enthusiasts alike, and her embroidery and bead art is heavily inspired by Tatreez (تطريز) traditional Palestinian embroidery. Her art is her way of embracing her heritage and keeping the dying art of Tatreez alive. Heba hopes to pass along her skills and heritage to patrons during her workshops, and get them to try something new and fun.

Classes:

• Wednesday, March 4, 4 p.m. Intro to Crochet *CLASS FULL*
• Saturday, March 14, 1 p.m. Tatreez (Cross-stitch) 101 *CLASS FULL*
• Saturday, March 21, 12 p.m. Community Craft Time

Registration is required, please email Liz.Magee@lfpl.org

April

Makara Thach Sernett - Fine Art Painter

Makara is a Cambodian refugee-turned-artist who weaves stories of resilience, hope, and transformation into vibrant, impressionistic paintings. She invites connection, contemplation, and a deeper appreciation for the world's beauty and messes through sharing her own personal experiences. Makara loves acrylic paints for their versatility, and combines traditional and out-of-the-box approaches to mark making with vibrant color palettes. She intends to use her art as a bridge for emotional connection and cultural learning during her workshops, and create a studio environment where patrons feel invited not just to observe, but to reflect and participate. Through open studio conversations, workshops, and demos, Makara will guide visitors in exploring their own stories, using art as a gentle process of release, rest, discovery, and healing.

Classes:

• Saturday, April 4, 12 p.m. Rising Lotus: A Guided Painting Workshop *CLASS FULL*
• Saturday, April 18, 12 p.m. The Art of Vietnamese Lion Dance with River Lotus Lion Dance
• Saturday, April 25, 12 p.m. Asian Lantern Workshop

Registration is required, please email Liz.Magee@lfpl.org

May

Sarah McCartt-Jackson - Poet

Award-winning Kentucky poet, folklorist, and educator Sarah McCartt-Jackson is the author of Stonelight, Calf Canyon, Vein of Stone, and Children Born on the Wrong Side of the River. Her poetry explores the relationships between people, places, and the natural world. She received an Al Smith Individual Artist Fellowship from the Kentucky Arts Council and has earned multiple national awards, including the Weatherford Award in Poetry and the Phillip H. McMath Book Award. Sarah has also served as artist-in-residence for Great Smoky Mountains, Acadia, Catoctin Mountain, and Homestead National Parks. Through her teaching in poetry and environmental education, she aims to helps others express their connection to the living world. While in residence, Sarah will turn poetry into an accessible, living practice within the library, and invite visitors to take part in the act of making poetry. Her aim is to show that poetry belongs to everyone and connects us all.

June

Hannah Johnston - Ceramicist/Sculptor

Hannah Johnston is a Louisville-based artist whose work combines ceramics, heirloom quilt patterns, and meaningful objects handed down through generations. Inspired by the trinkets and keepsakes people save, she transforms these objects into artworks that explore memory, connection, and the enduring stories they carry. Her practice emphasizes pattern, form, and reinterpreting inherited materials into pieces that celebrate family history, sentiment, and the ways objects hold personal and collective meaning. In addition to her studio practice, she teaches ceramics throughout the community. During her residency, Hannah will offer workshops and classes that invite participants to engage with creativity and storytelling through hands-on work.

 

 

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.

March

Allen Heintzman

With nearly 30 years of professional experience, Chef Allen Heintzman has spent his time honing his craft and acquiring deep knowledge, not only of the culinary arts, but also food production, sustainable local farming practices, dietary trends, and the historical nature of world cuisines. Born in Louisville, he graduated from UofL (BA English) and Sullivan University (Culinary Arts), before moving to New Orleans to continue his culinary training at the famed restaurant, La Provence, where he studied under the legendary Creole chef Chris Kerageorgiou.

Ultimately, Hurricane Katrina sent Chef Allen back to his hometown where he became chef at Artemisia in NuLu. Other stops along his culinary career include BASA Modern Vietnamese, 211 Clover Lane, The Louisville Boat Club, The Exchange, and currently as Chef de Cuisine at the historic Brown Hotel.   

Classes:

• Sunday, March 8, 2 p.m. History In Flavor: How Spices Shaped the World
• Saturday, March 21, 3 p.m. Secrets of the Roux: Creole and Cajun Cuisine
• Sunday, March 22, 2 p.m. Food, Science and Ancient Wisdom

April

Martha Morgan/Allergy Dragon

Martha Morgan is a Specialty Diet & Allergy Chef, and is also known as Allergy Dragon. Chef Martha started cooking in restaurants at 16 years old, and in 2014, switched to institutional food services in a healthcare setting. In 2019, she established her @AllergyDragon social media presence.

Martha began her food allergy mom journey in 2003 when her youngest child (then 9 months old) went into anaphylactic shock after eating strawberries. And as a chef that lives with celiac disease, among many other allergies herself, Martha has made it her mission to advocate for food allergies and celiac disease, and share her belief that everyone deserves to eat delicious food.

Classes:

• Saturday, April 11, 3 p.m. Allergy-Friendly Sourdough Soft Pretzel Bites and Dip with Chef Martha Morgan
• Thursday, April 16, 6 p.m. Award-Winning Sweet Potato Curry Gravy and Sourdough Biscuits: Allergy-Friendly with Chef Martha Morgan
• Saturday, April 25, 3 p.m. Learn How To Bake Without Wheat, Dairy, Eggs & Peanuts with Chef Martha Morgan 

May

Deepa Karande

Deepa Karande is an award-winning cake artist based in Louisville, Kentucky, and the creator of D’s Sweet Creations. Renowned for her hyper-realistic sculpted cakes, she transforms simple ideas into edible works of art that blend creativity, emotion, and technical skill. Her lifelike bust cakes, celebrated for capturing the nuance of human expression, reflect her deep passion for sculpted edible art.

A graduate of the prestigious Sir J.J. School of Art in Mumbai, India, Deepa has turned her artistic background into a globally recognized career. Her innovative designs have earned her top honors, including Sculpted Cake Artist of the Year (India), Edible Sculptor of the Year (UK), and the Modelling Excellence Award (USA). Continually pushing artistic boundaries, she inspires audiences worldwide with creations that taste as extraordinary as they look.

June

Kourtnee Withers

Chef Kourtnee Withers is a Louisville native, proud Sullivan University graduate, and owner of Mo’at Luxury Private Dining. At 25, she has built a business centered on bringing elegant, imaginative meals directly to clients seeking a personalized and memorable dining experience. Passionate about community and culinary education, Kourtnee loves working with kids and inspiring others to find joy and confidence in the kitchen. She believes cooking should be fun, expressive, and far less intimidating than it seems.
 

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.