The LFPL main branch has been ranked one of the most beautiful libraries in the US. | Photo by LOUtoday
April 6-12 is National Library Week, and the Louisville Free Public Library (LFPL) has plenty to celebrate.
In addition to loaning out books and hosting community programming, LFPL has a number of lesser-known services that are just as useful. Here are seven you can check out:
Continuing education
Whether you’re looking to switch careers or prep for a big life event, LFPL has you covered. The Learning Express Library lets cardholders take practice exams for tests like the SAT, ACT, GED, and GRE, plus professional tests like cosmetology, teaching, CDL, and citizenship tests.
Book club
Attention Louisville book clubs: LFPL has you covered.Book Discussion Kits are available for reservation and can be checked out from any branch for up to six weeks. The kits contain 10 copies of a book (or 30 copies for children/teen kits), plus author info, reviews, and suggested discussion topics.
Movie night
LFPL cardholders get access to the streaming service Hoopla, which includes audiobooks, comics, and ebooks, as well as a library of movies, TV shows, and even music to stream.
“Singin’ in the Rain” | Tuesday, April 8-Sunday, May 18 | Times vary | Derby Dinner Playhouse, Clarksville, IN | $40+ | You’ll have the sun in your heart as you watch this classic MGM musical performed live.
Wednesday, April 9
Mary Dowling Tasting & Literary Experience | 6:30-8 p.m. | The Frazier History Museum | $35 | Look back at the life of the Mother of Bourbon with a new book + bourbon tastings.
Thursday, April 10
Fresh Catches | Thursday, April 10-Friday, April 11 | 4 p.m. | Hotel Genevieve | It’s the last weekend to get fried oysters, salmon tartare, and fried catfish sandwiches from this special menu.
Friday, April 12
They’re Off! Luncheon | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Galt House East Grand Ballroom | $130 | Kick off the Kentucky Derby Festival with speakers, an opening reception, lunch, and a cash bar.
Relays For Inclusion | 12 a.m.-6 p.m. | Kentucky Country Day School | $8+ | Cheer on athletes or run a race yourself to support local nonprofits + kids with disabilities.
🏐 Grab tickets to the LOVB Finals happening this weekend
Presented by KFC Yum! Center
All of the action takes place at the KFC Yum! Center. | Photo courtesy of League One Volleyball
Calling all volleyball fans: League One Volleyball’s LOVB Finals are coming to Louisville at the KFC Yum! Center on April 10, 11 + 13.
See all six LOVB teams from the inaugural season — Atlanta, Austin, Houston, Madison, Omaha, and Salt Lake — compete for the league’s inaugural championship title.
Don’t miss University of Louisville alumnae, First Team All-American and ACC Player of the Year Claire Chaussee, and two-time All-American Anna Hall on LOVB Madison.
Storm debris drop-off sites around LOU will be open 2-7 p.m. this week, and 8 a.m.-7 p.m. this Saturday, April 12. Louisville residents can bring any tree debris for free disposal. See the full list of nine locations.
Weather
Louisville Metro Emergency Services evacuated about 80 people from Candlewood Suites Hotel on River Road by boat yesterday as water rose to block all road access to the hotel. Reminder: The Ohio River isn’t expected to reach its crest until today.
Gallery
Captain’s Quarters on the riverfront is flooded — again. The owners are taking it in good stride, posting pictures of inflatable pool toys floating through the dining room. Bonus: Captain’s Quarters intentionally floods its restaurant with clean water before heavy rain to keep dirty water out. (WHAS11)
Concert
Concert-only tickets are available for the Louisville Urban League’s Derby Gala. Grammy-nominated artist Janelle Monáe will perform, and the event will feature an open bar + light snacks.
Theater
Something wicked this way comes to Louisville’s parks this spring, as Kentucky Shakespeare tours “Macbeth” to over 30 locations in and around Louisville. Bring your lawn chair for a good view, and check the full list of locations.
Community
TARC will host two informational meetings on the upcoming 2025 redesign. The first is at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9 at the Bon Air Library, and the second is at 5:30 p.m. next Monday, April 14 at the Newburg Library.
Sports
The Cards men’s basketball team is in position to be the best in the league next year. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Cards with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Plan Ahead
You’re invited to the afterparty everyone will be talking about. On Friday, April 25 at 9 p.m., the Kentucky Derby Museum will host an unforgettable night of live music, craft cocktails, late-night bites + a cigar bar. The Ruby Jubilee Backstretch Afterparty is the ultimate late-night Derby celebration. Grab tickets.*
Did you know? Anyone who parks at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) can join SDF Rewards for free. Read: The more you park at the airport, the more points you will earn toward free parking.*
Tech
Ever wondered, “Why am I seeing this ad?” RAD Intel fixes that so brands get 3.5x better results and customers actually get seen (in a good way). Investors including Adobe, Fidelity, and insiders from Google and Meta. The company is pre-IPO and shares are $0.55. Invest before prices change Thursday, April 10.†*
Shop
Put your business’s product or service in front of 44,000+ locals in our upcoming Parents’ Gift Guide. Don’t wait — secure your spot just in time for Mother’s Day + Father’s Day celebrations.
The Buy
The Buy
A cap sleeve V-neck tee with a tasteful ruching design. Crafted from soft, breathable fabric and available in 10+ colors, this shirt will become your go-to for spring and summer outfits.
The Kentucky State Fair is still many months away, but it’s almost time to register for blue ribbon categories.
The 2025 Premium Book is now available, with registration beginning on Thursday, May 1. I’m thinking of entering something this year — what category do you think I should enter? Drop me a line and let me know.
