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.

Award-winning chef, author, and TV personality JJ Johnson

Sat., May 16, 1 PM – 2 PM, Northeast Regional Library

A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, JJ Johnson is a James Beard Award-winning chef, TV personality, and author best known for his barrier-breaking cuisine informed by the Caribbean flavors of his childhood. His cookbook with Danica Novgorodoff, The Simple Art of Rice: Recipes from Around the World for the Heart of Your Table, was listed as one of New York Times Best Cookbooks in 2023. Join him for this free public event, in advance of his appearance at the Library Foundation's Night at the Library.

This event is free and open to the public. Registration is requested online or by calling (502) 574-1644.

Spalding University presents bestselling author Kaveh Akbar

Tue., May 26, 6 PM – 7 PM, The Brown Hotel

Join acclaimed poet and bestselling author Kaveh Akbar for a discussion of his work, including his New York Times bestseller Martyr!. This author talk is presented by the Naslund-Mann Graduate School of Writing at Spalding University in conjunction with their spring residency, with support from the Library Foundation's Craig Buthod Authors Series.

This free event will be held at the Brown Hotel. A book signing will follow, with books available from Carmichael’s Bookstore. Registration is requested online or by calling (502) 574-1644.

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.

Native American Photography: An Untold Story

Tues., May 5, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM, Bon Air Library

Since its earliest invention, photography has shaped how American Indians have been represented in American culture and around the world. But how have Native people used photographs to tell their own stories and portray the lives of their communities? In this lecture, Dr. Frank Kelderman will offer a cultural history of Native American photography from the 1850s through the present, showcasing the work of a range of photographers who redefined the representation of Indigenous people in the United States.

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.

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.

Classes:

• Friday, May 8, 3 PM: Food Illusion Cake  REGISTER
• Friday, May 15, 3 PM: The Art of Hyper-Realistic Cakes  REGISTER
• Friday, May 22, 3 PM: Trick the Eye: Edible Illusion  REGISTER

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

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.

Classes:

• Friday, June 5, 2 PM: Bread & Butter - Homerun Classics  REGISTER
• Sunday, June 14, 2 PM: Film & Fork - The Princess & the Frog  REGISTER
• Monday, June 22, 6 PM: Pantry Magic - Reducing Waste One Recipe at a Time  REGISTER

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.