Authors at the Library
Louisville’s Gilded Age with author and historian Daniel Gifford
Sunday, November 10 at 2 p.m. • Main Library
Daniel Gifford will discuss his discoveries from Louisville’s Gilded Age found in his new book Benefactors of Posterity: The Founding Era of the Filson Historical Society 1884-1899. This critical exploration of historic touchstones, like Enid Yandell’s Daniel Boone statue, the Southern Exposition, and the tornado of 1890, revises our understanding of key moments in our regional history. In the middle of it all was the Filson Club (now the Filson Historical Society), whose multifaceted origin story provides a window into Louisville’s growth and the evolution of historical study at the dawn of a new century.
A book signing will follow the event, with books available for purchase from Butler Books. Click the Register button below or call (502) 574-1644.
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.
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.
They Taught Themselves: The Brilliance of Outsider Art
Tuesday, November 19, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., Main Library
What is 'Outsider Art?' The exact definition of the term has been a matter of some controversy ever since awareness of the phenomenon began. Broadly, the term can be applied to forms of creative expression that exist outside accepted cultural norms, or the realm of “fine art.” Today, Outsider Art is often used as a shorthand for Self-Taught Art, Folk Art, Visionary (or Intuitive) Art, Naive Art, and Art Brut. Join Alex Huninghake, Director & Curator of Louisville's Outsider Art Museum & Gallery, for a discussion about the history and impact of this art form, including its deep roots in Kentucky and Appalachia.
This program is presented by MyLibraryU and is free and open to the public. Registration is requested online or by calling (502) 574-1623.
Brainrot or Not? Raising Kids in the Digital Age
Tuesday, December 3, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., Main Library
Is technology rewiring children's brains? Do educational apps work? How much screen time is too much? In this fast class, Dr. Judith Danovitch will discuss what current research says about how screen time affects children's thinking and learning, and how caregivers and educators can use technology in ways that support children's healthy development.
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
Applications for this round of COLLIDER artists are closed. The next round of applications will be accepted in March 2025.
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.
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 - **REGISTRATION IS FULL**
- Tuesday, October 22, 6:00 p.m. Beautifully Broken Modern Kintsugi workshop: Breaking Free From Perfectionism- **REGISTRATION IS FULL**
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.
Classes:
- Saturday, November 9, 12:00 p.m. Patches, Stitches, and Sewing
- Saturday, November 16, 12:00 p.m. Building Our Library Friend: Drop-in sewing
- Saturday, November 30, 12:00 p.m. Zine Making Workshop
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.
Classes:
- Saturday, December 7, 11:00 a.m. Introduction to Crochet
- Saturday, December 14, 11:00 a.m. Crochet Blooms: Intermediate Crochet Class
- Saturday, December 21, 11:30 a.m. Pom Pom Earrings: Craft Your Own Statement Accessories
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.
BrainFuse
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.
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.