Check out more than books 📚

Free educational resources at the Lexington Public Library

The outside of the new library with a sign that reads "Lexington Public Library - Marksbury Family Library Branch"

The Marksbury Family Branch is estimated to be three times larger than the former Village branch. | Photo by LEXtoday

If you think you know everything there is to know about the Lexington Public Library, think again.

Our city’s library is an educational resource that can be utilized, for free, by all citizens + it offers everything from classes to state-of-the-art tech.

Here’s how our library system is helping citizens become life-long learners.

⏳ For the history buff

The Kentucky Room | Central Branch, 140 E. Main St. | The Kentucky Room contains books, photographs, digitized newspapers, and more — all relating to the history of Lexington and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Pro tip: Start your research online with the library’s digital archive search. Then, head downtown to take an even deeper dive.

🔬 Hands-on education

Makerspace | East Side Branch, 3000 Blake James Dr. | The Makerspace is a collaborative workspace for crafters; a place where science, art, and culture collide. Here, citizens have access to 3D printers, sewing machines, a tabletop kiln, and more. Be sure to check the events page for educational classes and open studio times.

🖥️ Ain’t afraid of no tech

Digital Studio | Northside Branch, 1733 Russell Cave Rd. | The library’s digital studio is a space for citizens to get creative with technology. Filmmakers, photographers, and graphic designers can utilize digital editing software to bring their ideas to life, while musicians can record and edit their own music. The library even offers free LinkedIn learning classes for those interested in learning new software — Photoshop, Illustrator + more

Pro tip: This space is also perfect for anyone wishing to learn how to digitize or restore family photos.

🎨 Art aficionados

Art Galleries | Various Branches | The library also recognizes that a picture is worth a thousand words, that’s why it hosts a rotation of photography + fine art galleries at its various branches across town.

🗓️ Weekly programming

Don’t forget to check out its weekly events calendar for more ideas on how you can keep exercising your body’s most important muscle — the brain.

Click here to have your event featured.

Monday, Dec. 12

Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour | Monday, Dec. 12 | 6 p.m. | The Lyric Theatre, 300 E. Third St., Lexington | $10 | Sit in on the live taping of this popular music show, featuring Tom Wopat — one of the original actors in “Dukes of Hazard.”

Tuesday, Dec. 13

Introduction to Screen Printing | Tuesday, Dec. 13 | 6:30 p.m. | Kre8Now Makerspace, 305 Codell Dr., Lexington-Fayette | $55-$65 | Learn the basics of this hands-on art form + go home with your own finished shirt.

Wednesday, Dec. 14

Getting Started with Chickens | Wednesday, Dec. 14 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Good Foods Co-Op, 455-D Southland Dr., Lexington | Free | Learn the basics of responsible backyard chicken keeping, from coop considerations to equipment necessities.

Thursday, Dec. 15

Christmas During the Civil War | Thursday, Dec. 15 | 6-7 p.m. | Waveland State Historic Site, 225 Waveland Museum Ln., Lexington | $15 | Learn about cherished holiday traditions from the mid-1800s when a majority of our current traditions were established — led by Bryan Bush, park manager of Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

46º | Partly cloudy | 10% chance of rain

Arts

The Lexington Art League announced that its next gallery showcase, “Horse Sense,” will take place from Friday, March 10 to Saturday, Apr. 29. Submissions are now being accepted and the deadline to apply is Tuesday, Jan. 31. 🖼

Active

Local race organizer Race Rise is hosting the Frosty Feet Winter Mileage Challenge, with proceeds benefiting the DV8 Kitchen Vocational Training Foundation. This fun running challenge is all about staying motivated and active to kick off 2023 on a healthy note. 👟

Lexingtonian

Say hello to Kiitan Adedeji, Lexington’s first-ever Youth Poet Laureate. This program honors young writers who are leaders in their community + has partner programs in more than 70 cities, regions, and states across the country — including the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning. Congratulations, Kiitan. 📝

Community

The City of Lexington is offering a series of new grants for citizens looking to help mitigate the rising cost of housing. The community has access to ~$5 million that can be used for projects that develop and support affordable rental housing and home ownership. Learn more. (WKYT)

Sports

Now’s the time to buy the sports lover in your life a holiday present, because Fanatics is offering sitewide sales. Easily find licensed sportswear and collectibles like jerseys, hoodies, and outerwear for the world’s most popular sports teams and win the holidays.*

Eat

Christmas Eve charcuterie, anyone? At Murray’s Cheese, aka Kroger’s dedicated cheese department, employees can help shoppers create customized charcuterie boards as well as assist with wine pairings. Gouda news: Several have even attended the American Cheese Society and passed the Certified Cheese Professional Exam. 🧀*

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Travel and Outdoors

What’s new at Woodland Park

A bright orange wavy plastic playset stands on blue rubber surfacing, backdropped by a play gym and picnic hut.

Check out that bright orange sensory wave climber. | Photo by LEXtoday

The sky may be gray, but the new playground equipment at Woodland Park certainly isn’t. The park now features a spinning rope climber and a sensory wave climber.

The new equipment honors Woodland Park’s priority of accessible play. The sensory wave climber has strategically positioned hand grips, making it climbable for children of all abilities. Plus, the playground’s rubber surfacing not only prevents injuries, but its seamless smooth surface is also more easily navigable by wheels and feet alike.

Head to 601 E. High St. to take that rope climber for a spin.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Aaron.

Editor’s pick: The best part of my weekend was learning that the Kentucky Theatre will be screening “Prancer” for the holidays.

This was a film I loved as a kid and can’t wait to take my son to see it in our historic theater.

Missed Friday’s newsletter? We’ve got tons of winter fun here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Aaron Mikel, Molly Thompson, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Marin Fiske | Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

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