At the Library

Dr. Adam Enders will lead a discussion on 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.Find Us https://www.lfpl.orgGet in Touch Contact us at [email protected] Us on SocialGet updates or reach out to us on social media! Twitter Facebook Instagram

Topic: Defense Against Dark ArtsWho was Merlin the Magician? Did Dr. Faust really sell his soul to the devil? Did the alchemist Nicholas Flamel actually discover the secret to eternal life? In this course, we will examine the important role magic played in the medieval world. We will see how magical beliefs and practices became a way for people to express their deepest hopes and greatest fears.This program is presented by MyLibraryU and is free and open to the public.FIND US AT https://www.lfpl.org GET IN TOUCH Contact us on [email protected] FOLLOW US ON SOCIALGet updates or reach out to Get updates on our Social Media Profiles!Twitter: https://twitter.com/LFPLFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LouisvilleFreePublicLibraryInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisvillefreepubliclibrary/

When did the first witch mount her broom? What was the earliest English witchcraft trial? This session will explore the dark history of medieval witchcraft—the spells they used, the power they held, and the gruesome ways they died!In this four-week public library course, we examine the important role #magic played in the medieval world. We explore how magical beliefs and practices shaped daily life in #medieval #England and how they became a way for people to express their deepest hopes and greatest fears.FIND US AThttps://www.lfpl.orgGET IN TOUCHContact us on [email protected] US ON SOCIALGet updates or reach out to Get updates on our Social Media Profiles!Twitter: https://twitter.com/LFPLFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LouisvilleFreePublicLibraryInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisvillefreepubliclibrary/

In this seminar, we will examine the ‘mysterious science’ practiced by medieval alchemists. We will discuss their achievements, their sometimes diabolical practices, and their contributions to modern science. And as we follow their search for the Philosopher’s Stone, who knows? Perhaps we might even succeed where others have failed…In this four-week public library course, we examine the important role #magic played in the medieval world. We explore how magical beliefs and practices shaped daily life in #medieval #England and how they became a way for people to express their deepest hopes and greatest fears.FIND US AThttps://www.lfpl.orgGET IN TOUCHContact us on [email protected] US ON SOCIALGet updates or reach out to Get updates on our Social Media Profiles!Twitter: https://twitter.com/LFPLFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LouisvilleFreePublicLibraryInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisvillefreepubliclibrary/

Who was Merlin the Magician? Did Dr. Faust really sell his soul to the devil? Did the alchemist Nicholas Flamel actually discover the secret to eternal life?In this four-week public library course, we examine the important role magic played in the medieval world. We explore how magical beliefs and practices shaped daily life in medieval England and how they became a way for people to express their deepest hopes and greatest fears.

In this class, Dr. Andrew Rabin (University of Louisville) will delve into some of the Middle Ages’ most famous murders and the true stories behind them, offering attendees a deeper understanding of the law, literature, and culture of this fascinating period in history.Topic: Murderers that Go Bump in the NightRecorded 1-30-2025

In this class, Dr. Andrew Rabin (University of Louisville) will delve into some of the Middle Ages’ most famous murders and the true stories behind them, offering attendees a deeper understanding of the law, literature, and culture of this fascinating period in history.Topic: Murderers and MartyrsRecorded 1-30-2025

In this class, Dr. Andrew Rabin (University of Louisville) will delve into some of the Middle Ages’ most famous murders and the true stories behind them, offering attendees a deeper understanding of the law, literature, and culture of this fascinating period in history.Topic: Politics can be MurderRecorded 1-24-2025

In this class, Dr. Andrew Rabin (University of Louisville) will delve into some of the Middle Ages’ most famous murders and the true stories behind them, offering attendees a deeper understanding of the law, literature, and culture of this fascinating period in history. Topic: Medieval Murder for Fun and Profit Recorded 1-16-2025

Are screens really "rotting" kids' brains, or can technology be a positive force in their development? In this fast and eye-opening session, Dr. Judith Danovitch from the University of Louisville explores: ✔️ How screen time impacts children's brains, thinking, and learning✔️ Whether educational apps truly work or are just hype✔️ Practical strategies for parents and educators to promote healthy screen habits Get the facts on raising kids in a world of smartphones, tablets, and apps. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or caregiver, you'll learn how to use technology wisely to support healthy child development. 📅 Recorded: December 3, 2024🎥 Watch now to empower your parenting or teaching strategies! Visit us at lfpl.org

In 1981, Black lesbian educator, writer, and activist Audre Lorde declared: “Those of us who stand outside the circle of this society’s definition of acceptable… know that survival is not an academic skill…” Join Dr. Kaila Story, Associate Professor of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at UofL, as she delves into Lorde’s powerful legacy. Through a discussion of Lorde’s transformative activism and writings, Dr. Story will explore how embracing our collective differences can become a force for societal change. Discover Lorde’s bold, transgressive strategies for forging connections across community lines and sparking meaningful action. Recorded on October 30, 2024. Visit us at https://www.lfpl.org

Join us for a captivating dive into Louisville’s Gilded Age with author and historian Daniel Gifford, as he unveils the stories behind his latest book, Benefactors of Posterity: The Founding Era of the Filson Historical Society 1884-1899. From iconic landmarks like Enid Yandell’s Daniel Boone statue to transformative events such as the Southern Exposition and the devastating 1890 tornado, this episode revisits pivotal moments that shaped the region. Discover how the Filson Club, now the Filson Historical Society, played a central role in documenting Louisville’s growth and the birth of modern historical study. Don’t miss this illuminating exploration of history, art, and community in a rapidly changing era. Visit us at https://www.lfpl.org #LouisvilleHistory #GildedAgeStories #FilsonLegacy

In this episode, we’re joined by Frederick M. Hess, director of education policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) and a prominent voice in education reform. We explore his latest book, Getting Education Right: A Vision for Improving Early Childhood, K–12, and College, which presents a roadmap to revitalizing the American education system. Rooted in fundamental conservative principles, the book examines how we arrived at this point and outlines a path forward for education in the U.S. If you’re interested in education policy or practical strategies to enhance U.S. education, this episode is a must-listen!

In this episode, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Cara Fitzpatrick joins us to discuss her eye-opening book, The Death of Public School: How Conservatives Won the War Over Education in America. Together, we dive deep into the history and politics behind the school choice movement and explore how it's reshaping the future of public education. What’s at stake? With public education in crisis, Fitzpatrick explains how political forces are threatening the very existence of traditional schools—and what it means for students, parents, and communities. Whether you're an educator, parent, or simply curious about the state of education today, this conversation is one you won't want to miss. Topics covered: The rise and impact of school choice How politics are changing public education The future of traditional schools in America Hit Follow to stay updated on more insightful discussions, and be sure to share this episode with anyone passionate about education! Visit us at https://www.lfpl.org #Education #PublicSchools #CaraFitzpatrick #Podcast #SchoolChoice #EducationReform

Episode 4: Evolution and Medicine In the final episode, Dr. Lee Dugatkin takes us on a journey into the world of evolutionary medicine. Understand how evolutionary principles apply to human health and disease, offering insights into conditions like antibiotic resistance and genetic disorders. Discover how the past shapes the future of medicine. Join us for the full series! Visit us at https://www.lfpl.org for more information. #EvolutionAndMedicine #MedicalScience #AntibioticResistance #Evolution #DrLeeDugatkin #ScienceForHealth

Episode 3: The Evolution of Behavior In this third episode, Dr. Lee Dugatkin explores the intricate relationship between evolution and behavior. From altruism to aggression, discover how natural selection influences the actions of living organisms. Dive deep into behavioral evolution, understanding why species act the way they do, and how it all ties back to survival and reproduction. Explore more with us! Visit us at https://www.lfpl.org for more information. #EvolutionOfBehavior #AnimalBehavior #BehavioralScience #Evolution #DrLeeDugatkin #BiologyLectures

Episode 2: How Do We Get New Species? How Do We Lose Species? How do new species emerge, and why do others disappear? In this episode, Dr. Lee Dugatkin dives into the fascinating processes of speciation and extinction. Learn how evolutionary forces drive the creation of new life forms and the unfortunate loss of species. A deep dive into the mechanisms that define biodiversity on Earth. Don't miss the next episode! Visit us at https://www.lfpl.org for more information. #Speciation #Extinction #Biodiversity #EvolutionaryBiology #ScienceLectures #DrLeeDugatkin

Episode 1: Overview & Natural Selection in Operation In this first episode of our four-week lecture series, Dr. Lee Dugatkin introduces the basics of evolution, focusing on the core concept of natural selection. Discover how this powerful force shapes life on Earth, from molecular biology to complex ecosystems. Gain a clear understanding of how evolutionary biology serves as the foundation of all biological sciences. This is part of the MyLibraryU series. Visit us at https://www.lfpl.org for more information. #NaturalSelection #Evolution #Biology101 #DrLeeDugatkin #ScienceExplained #FreeEducation

Missed the chance to meet Margaret Peterson Haddix in person? No worries! Tune in to hear her engaging discussion at the Louisville Free Public Library. In this special event, hosted in partnership with Carmichael's Kids Bookstore, Haddix—famed author of Shadow Children and The Missing series—talks about her latest book, The Stolen Key, the thrilling conclusion to her Mysteries of Trash and Treasure series. Whether you're a fan of her books or love middle-grade mysteries, don't miss this fascinating conversation with a literary icon! 📚🎤 #MargaretPetersonHaddix #TheStolenKey #MysteriesOfTrashAndTreasure #AuthorTalk #ShadowChildren #TheMissing #ChildrensBooks #BookLovers #AudioRecording #LFPL #CarmichaelsKids 🔔 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more content! Visit us at https://www.lfpl.org Recorded on 09/12/24

Stephen Foster’s 1852 ballad, "My Old Kentucky Home," evokes nostalgia for a peaceful and nurturing home, but for many women in the Gilded Age—especially African American women in Kentucky—home was often a place of violence and oppression. In this compelling episode, PhD candidate Charlene Fletcher takes us deep into her research on Home Ain’t Always Where the Heart Is: Women, Confinement, and Domestic Violence in the Gilded Age Bluegrass. She shares the untold stories of two African American women from Lexington, Kentucky—Fannie Keys Harvey and Lila B. White—who were imprisoned at the Frankfort Penitentiary after fighting back against years of family abuse. Learn how systemic racism, gender inequality, and domestic violence shaped the harsh realities of life in the 19th century. Fletcher’s insights offer a powerful look into the intersection of race, gender, and resistance, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in women's rights, African American history, and the hidden struggles of the Gilded Age. Visit us at https://www.lfpl.org Recorded 2-20-2020

Discover the pivotal role of Daniel Coit Gilman, the first president of Johns Hopkins University, in shaping the modern American research university. In this exclusive podcast episode, LFPL and the Filson Historical Society welcome Dr. Michael T. Benson, president of Coastal Carolina University and former president of EKU, for an insightful discussion on his book Daniel Coit Gilman and the Birth of the American Research University. Recorded live at the Main Library, this conversation explores Gilman’s groundbreaking innovations—from graduate fellowships to research funding and scholarly journals—that transformed U.S. higher education. Learn how his legacy influenced key educational figures like Louisville’s Abraham Flexner and Dr. Hugh Toland, founder of the UC San Francisco medical school. Whether you're interested in higher education, university history, or educational reform, this episode offers rich historical insights still relevant today. Listen now to explore how Daniel Coit Gilman’s vision revolutionized universities. Recorded August 27, 2027

How often does race shape your everyday interactions? In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Kalasia S. Ojeh, Assistant Professor at the University of Louisville's Department of Pan-African Studies, unpacks the complexities of race in our society. Through Race and Place: Understanding Race in Louisville, In Kentucky, and in the U.S., Dr. Ojeh provides a clear history and definition of critical race theory, while exploring how race relations impact our communities, both locally in Louisville and across the nation. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the role race plays in our lives and the broader social landscape. Recorded: September 29, 2021 Visit us at ⁠⁠https://www.lfpl.org⁠⁠ Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/63ElyhSI77iMMQjKBSj0Gk

Join us at the Western Library as Affrilachian poet Bernard Clay shares powerful readings from his debut collection, English Lit. In this compelling episode, Clay delves into over twenty years of poetic work, offering a vivid portrayal of his upbringing in west Louisville and the intricate layers of Black Appalachian identity. Listen in as Clay’s words bring to life the rich tapestry of his experiences, blending personal history with broader cultural themes. Whether you’re a poetry lover, curious about Appalachian culture, or simply enjoy hearing stories that resonate, this episode is sure to inspire. Recorded: November 10, 2021 Visit us at ⁠https://www.lfpl.org⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/63ElyhSI77iMMQjKBSj0Gk

Step back into the 19th century and explore the life and legacy of Gideon Shryock, the visionary architect who brought the grandeur of the Greek Revival to Kentucky and the American West. Join co-authors Winfrey P. Blackburn, Jr. and R. Scott Gill as they dive into their groundbreaking book, Gideon Shryock: His Life and Architecture 1802-1880. In this episode, they share fascinating stories and insights about Shryock’s journey, his triumphs and challenges, and how his work shaped the architectural landscape of an era. Whether you’re a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or just love a good story, this discussion is not to be missed! Recorded: December 5, 2021 Visit us at https://www.lfpl.org Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/63ElyhSI77iMMQjKBSj0Gk

Carmichael’s Bookstore presents civil rights lawyer, professor, and author Dan Canon. He will discuss his new book, Pleading Out: How Plea Bargaining Creates a Permanent Criminal Class—a blistering critique of America’s assembly-line approach to criminal justice through plea bargaining, and the permanent criminal class it creates. Carmichael's Bookstore: https://www.carmichaelsbookstore.com Visit us at https://www.lfpl.org Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/63ElyhSI77iMMQjKBSj0Gk #CriminalJusticeReform #PleaBargaining #legalreform Recorded: 05-10-2022

In this compelling conversation, Former Kentucky Poet Laureate Crystal Wilkinson (Perfect Black) and historian Emily Bingham (My Old Kentucky Home: The Astonishing Life and Reckoning of an Iconic American Song) unravel the complex legacy of Kentucky’s state song, My Old Kentucky Home. Through riveting readings and insightful dialogue, they explore the song’s cultural impact, its controversial history, and its ongoing influence on the identity of the Bluegrass State. This episode offers fresh perspectives on how music, race, and history intertwine in Kentucky's past and present. Visit us at ⁠⁠https://www.lfpl.org⁠⁠ Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/63ElyhSI77iMMQjKBSj0Gk Recorded: 05-10-2022

Carmichael’s Bookstore presents #1 New York Times bestseller E. Lockhart (We Were Liars and its new prequel, Family of Liars) in conversation with Brooke Lauren Davis (author of After Dark with Roxie Clark) http://www.emilylockhart.com/ https://brookelaurendavis.com/ Visit us at https://www.lfpl.org #youngadultfiction #authorinterviews

Pulitzer Prize winner Geraldine Brooks discusses her captivating historical novel Horse, inspired by the legendary 19th-century racehorse Lexington. Discover how Brooks weaves together art, science, and racing history in this compelling story that spans centuries. Recorded live at the Main Library, this episode offers unique insights into the author's research and writing process. #pulitzer #geraldinebrooks #lexington Visit us at https://www.lfpl.org Recorded 6-16-2022

In recent years, news headlines about Haiti have covered civil unrest, political assassination, and recovery from earthquakes. However, stories rarely explore the reasons why Haiti has arrived at these critical points. In this new MyLibraryU Fast Class, Haiti: Historical Trends to Present Tensions, Dr. Charlton Yingling, Associate Professor of History at University of Louisville, will explore highlights from the deep and rich history of Haiti over the past two centuries to better explain the importance of this country and the momentous events taking place there today. #haiti #history Visit us at https://www.lfpl.org Recorded 5/22/24

Join New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Molly Knox Ostertag (The Girl from the Sea, The Witch Boy trilogy) as she sits down with acclaimed graphic novelist Nate Powell for an in-depth conversation about her latest graphic novel, The Deep Dark. In this captivating discussion, Ostertag delves into the themes of identity, family, love, loss, and the mystical elements that define her storytelling. Perfect for fans of graphic novels, fantasy, and heartfelt coming-of-age tales. Presented by Carmichael's Bookstore. #thewitchboy #ostertag #graphicnovel Visit us at https://www.lfpl.org Recorded 6-8-2024

Presented by Kentucky Humanities as part of their 50th Anniversary celebration, this event features Linkin' Bridge, the popular Louisville quintet who found fame on the 11th season of NBC's Americas' Got Talent, in conversation with speaker, scholar, and storyteller, Animata Cairo Visit us at https://www.lfpl.org #americasgottalent #louisville Recorded 7-15-2022

The Craig Buthod Author Series presents bestseller Angeline Boulley. Angeline Boulley is a storyteller and proud Chippewa author who writes about her Ojibwe community in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Her debut Young Adult novel Firekeeper’s Daughter was an instant #1 New York Times bestseller and was named one of the top 100 YA novels of all time by TIME Magazine. #youngadultfiction #ojibwe #angelineboulley Visit us at https://www.lfpl.org Recorded 07-29-2022

LFPL welcomes back Craig Johnson, New York Times bestselling author of the Walt Longmire mystery novel series, which is the basis for the hit Netflix original drama Longmire. Johnson comes to Louisville from his home in Ucross, Wyoming, population 26. The Longmire Defense, the 19th title in the series, finds Walt Longmire struggling with his family history in Bighorn Mountains when he uncovers a cold case that hits very close to home and forces him to put his life on the line. #longmire #craigjohnson Visit us at https://www.lfpl.org Recorded 5-16-2024

Experience a rare and insightful dialogue between two literary giants—James Rebanks, New York Times bestselling author of The Shepherd's Life, and legendary poet and environmentalist Wendell Berry. Listen as they discuss their shared passion for rural life, community, and the timeless art of shepherding. This intimate conversation, recorded live, brings together the voices of England’s Lake District and Kentucky’s rolling hills in a celebration of land, tradition, and storytelling. Don’t miss this captivating exchange! Visit us at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.lfpl.org⁠⁠⁠ Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/63ElyhSI77iMMQjKBSj0Gk Recorded 11-09-2016

Will Cockrell has spent more than twenty years as a senior editor, writer, and consultant for national magazines including Men’s Journal, Outside, Men’s Fitness, and GQ. A former outdoor guide, Cockrell has covered Everest throughout his career. His debut book, Everest, Inc., is a vivid and authoritative adventure history chronicling one of the least likely industries on Earth. Featuring original interviews with mountain guides and climbers, Everest, Inc. tells the story of the entrepreneurs who paired raw courage and naked ambition with a new style of expedition planning. Many of them are still living and climbing today, and ninety percent of the people now on Everest are clients or employees of guided expeditions. Cockrell will be in conversation with adventurer, author, educator and Louisville legend Dr. Tori Murden McClure. Recorded 4-23-2024

Professor M.G. Lord’s book Forever Barbie: The Unauthorized Biography of a Real Doll, uncovers the surprising story behind Barbie's smash success. In telling Barbie’s fascinating story, cultural critic and investigative journalist M.G. Lord—herself a first-generation Barbie owner—has written a provocative, zany, occasionally shocking book that will change how you look at the doll and the world. Lord is a professor at the University of Southern California and co-host of the podcast L.A. Made: The Barbie Tapes. She is also author of the family memoir Astro Turf, a cultural history of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the basis for L.A. Made: Blood, Sweat and Rockets, her 12-part podcast. Visit us at https://www.lfpl.org Recorded 4-12-2024

In The Power of Giving Away Power: How the Best Leaders Learn to Let Go, businessman and former U.S. Ambassador Matthew Barzun layers lessons from American history and business with insights from his career in tech, politics, and diplomacy to show how we can lead meaningful change in our companies, communities, and even our nation. Barzun served as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom during the Obama administration and is the current owner/publisher of Louisville Magazine. Recorded: 12-8-2022

Louisville native Anne McCarty Braden turned her back on a promising career as a newspaperwoman to dedicate herself to fierce advocacy for racial and social justice for almost half a century. Charged twice with sedition and arrested multiple times, Braden remained an outspoken writer and organizer locally until her death in 2006. Dr. Catherine Fosl, professor emerita at UofL and co-founder of the UofL Anne Braden Institute for Social Justice Research, will examine how Braden’s message has helped to shape our community, and why it still resonates today. Recorded: 3-26-2024

Aging is a subject of concern to many that is often misunderstood. However, it presents a wonderful opportunity to make informed choices and live to our potential. Dr. Robert Friedland will help you learn the steps to take in your activities, diet, and mental outlook, in order to grasp that opportunity. www.lfpl.org Recorded 11-7-2022 #healthylifestyle #optimalhealth

The Craig Buthod Author Series presents NPR correspondent Stacey Vanek Smith From the NPR host of The Indicator and correspondent for Planet Money, Stacey Vanek Smith, Machiavelli for Women is a modern guide to how women can apply the principles of 16th-century philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli and Renaissance politics to their work lives to finally shatter the glass ceiling. With charm and wit, Smith uses Machiavelli’s book The Prince as a guide to demonstrate how women can unapologetically take and maintain power in careers where they have long been cast as second-best. Visit us at https://www.lfpl.org Recorded 3-14-2024 #npr #author

MARGO PRICE is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter. She has released three LPs, earned a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist, performed on Saturday Night Live, and is the first female musician to sit on the board of Farm Aid. S.G. GOODMAN is a critically-acclaimed musician and Kentucky native. She was rightly coined an “untamed rock n roll truth-teller” by Rolling Stone. Recorded 10-18-2022 #margoprice #grammys #kentucky

The Main Library welcomes four accomplished Louisville writers as they describe the thriving Louisville writing scene, share some of their triumphs, discuss navigating the challenges of publishing, and much more. Panelists will include: Ashleé Clark: Journalist, author, and manager of the American Journalism Project Kelly Hill: novelist Michelle Tyrene Johnson: Playwright and Louisville Public Media Senior Producer Erin Keane: Critic, poet, memoirist, and Chief Content Officer at Salon.com Presented in partnership with Spalding University’s Naslund-Mann Graduate School of Writing Recorded 3-5-2024

Carmichael's Bookstore presents New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Makkai in conversation with Katy Yocom Award-winning author Rebecca Makkai will be joined onstage by Louisville writer Katy Yocom for a discussion of her New York Times bestselling mystery novel I Have Some Questions for You. Named a best book of 2023 by People, USA Today, and Real Simple, Makkai’s latest literary mystery follows the story of a podcaster who revisits the role she played in a flawed investigation from her past. A 2022 Guggenheim Fellow, Rebecca Makkai teaches at Northwestern University, and is the Artistic Director of StoryStudio Chicago. Her 2018 book The Great Believers was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, and was named one of the Ten Best Books of the year by the New York Times. Recorded 2-26-2024

Carmichael's Kids presents children's author John Patrick Green to discuss Agents of S.U.I.T: From Badger to Worse, the newest volume in his New York Times bestselling Investigators graphic novel series. Recorded 2-21-2024

This four-part series presented by UofL's Dr. Calvin Coker is about making argument less frightening, healthier, and more productive, by furnishing participants with a set of skills to better and more thoughtfully argue in the modern day. Download: ⁠Week 4 Handout⁠ Recorded 1-30-2024

This four-part series presented by UofL's Dr. Calvin Coker is about making argument less frightening, healthier, and more productive, by furnishing participants with a set of skills to better and more thoughtfully argue in the modern day. Download: ⁠Week 3 Handout⁠ Recorded 1-23-2024

This four-part series presented by UofL's Dr. Calvin Coker is about making argument less frightening, healthier, and more productive, by furnishing participants with a set of skills to better and more thoughtfully argue in the modern day. Download: ⁠Week 2 Handout⁠ Recorded 1-16-2024

This four-part series presented by UofL's Dr. Calvin Coker is about making argument less frightening, healthier, and more productive, by furnishing participants with a set of skills to better and more thoughtfully argue in the modern day. Download: Week 1 Handout Recorded 1-9-2024

From the author of The Martian, a lone astronaut must save the earth from disaster in this cinematic thriller full of suspense, humor, and fascinating science. Ryland Grace is the sole survivor on a desperate, last-chance mission—and if he fails, humanity and the earth itself will perish. Except that right now, he doesn’t know that. He can’t even remember his own name, let alone the nature of his assignment or how to complete it. All he knows is that he’s been asleep for a very, very long time. And he’s just been awakened to find himself millions of miles from home, with nothing but two corpses for company. His crewmates dead, his memories fuzzily returning, Ryland realizes that an impossible task now confronts him. Hurtling through space on this tiny ship, it’s up to him to puzzle out an impossible scientific mystery—and conquer an extinction-level threat to our species. And with the clock ticking down and the nearest human being light-years away, he’s got to do it all alone. Or does he? An irresistible interstellar adventure as only Andy Weir could deliver, Project Hail Mary is a tale of discovery, speculation, and survival to rival The Martian—while taking us to places it never dreamed of going. Andy Weir built a two-decade career as a software engineer until the success of his first published novel, The Martian, allowed him to live out his dream of writing full-time. He is a lifelong space nerd and a devoted hobbyist of such subjects as relativistic physics, orbital mechanics, and the history of manned spaceflight. He also mixes a mean cocktail. He lives in California. John Scalzi is one of the most popular SF authors of his generation. His debut, Old Man's War, won him the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer. His New York Times bestsellers include The Last Colony, Fuzzy Nation, Redshirts (which won the 2013 Hugo Award for Best Novel), and 2020's The Last Emperox. Material from his blog, Whatever (whatever.scalzi.com), has earned him two other Hugo Awards. He lives in Ohio with his wife and daughter.

LFPL and the Library Foundation were excited to host sociologist Eric Klinenberg, author of Palaces for the People, for two special events at the Main Library (April 14, 2023). The first was a public panel discussion on how social infrastructure can help fight inequality and polarization. Community leaders from across the city joined Klinenberg, as they discussed the value we place on our city’s social infrastructure—including libraries—and how it may offer solutions to some of Louisville’s critical issues.