The Louisville Free Public Library (LFPL) has partnered with Scripps National Spelling Bee to be a regional host of the Spelling Bee in 2024. The regional competition will be held at the Main Library, 301 York Street, on Saturday, March 9, and will bring together students from local elementary and middle school to compete for a spot in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. in May. 

Launched in 1925, the Scripps National Spelling Bee is the nation’s largest and longest-running educational program, reaching millions of students across the country. By inspiring the exploration of words, the Bee encourages lifelong curiosity, celebrates academic achievement, and enriches communities.

The winner of the very first National Spelling Bee in 1925, sponsored by the Courier-Journal, was from Louisville. For years, the Louisville region has been without a local sponsor and host. LFPL’s regional sponsorship this year is made possible through the generous support of the Library Foundation.

“The Scripps Spelling Bee is a fantastic complement to the Library’s ongoing work to develop kids’ reading skills. When we found out we had the opportunity to host the regional competition we knew we had to do it,” said Library Director Lee Burchfield. “I’m so appreciative that the Library Foundation leadership felt the same way and stepped up to ensure we could make it happen. I can’t wait.”

The Louisville region encompasses 28 counties in north-central Kentucky and southern Indiana. Schools interested in competing should register online through Scripps National Spelling Bee at spellingbee.com. Individuals and organizations interested in supporting the Library’s participation in the Bee can donate to the Library Foundation online at LFPLFoundation.org, or by calling (502) 754-1702.

Look for more spelling bee information and updates on the Library’s website – LFPL.org – and on social media in the coming weeks.

The Louisville Free Public Library is partnering with Derby City Wrestling to think outside the box in promoting children’s literacy. LFPL and DCW will host “Reading & Wristlocks” on Friday, March 22, 6 p.m., at the Southwest Regional Library.

This free community event will feature superstars from Derby City Wrestling reading to children, taking pictures, and signing autographs, before they lock up and square off inside the ring for a night of exciting pro wrestling action.

“Early reading is critical to a child's educational success and literacy is essential to being a successful adult. Libraries bring communities together and work creatively to spark intellectual curiosity,” said Library Director Lee Burchfield. “I'm delighted to partner with DCW on this program that will bring families to the library to create positive learning experiences and memories that will last for a lifetime!”

Derby City Wrestling is a weekly episodic pro wrestling television series that airs Saturday at noon on MY58 in the Louisville/Southern Indiana media market and in syndication throughout Georgia, Nevada and Arizona. It is produced by Los Angeles based David Marquez productions, an Emmy Award-winning global media company that has provided full-service television production and distribution for more than 25 years in combat sports.

“When we launched Derby City last year we had a goal of being more than a television show. We like to use our platform as a vehicle to bring together, engage, and uplift the community,” DMP President David Marquez said. “When the staff at LFPL reached out, it was a quick and easy yes from us because we’re committed to the mission.”

“Reading & Wristlocks” is a free, non-televised live event and space is extremely limited. Seats must be reserved in advance online at www.LFPL.org/Wrestling.

Reading & Wristlocks

Friday, March 22, 2024

Southwest Regional Library

9725 Dixie Highway, Louisville, KY. 40272

Potholes are showing up everywhere! Why is that and how do they get fixed?

Potholes are caused by water seeping into the cracks of asphalt. This is caused by water getting into surface cracks caused by a weakened asphalt. Winter in the Metro Louisville area can be brutal with the constant amount of rain and snow that we have in the area. If the asphalt is already weakened, then the pothole is inevitable. Potholes are hard on our cars!

The good news? This is one of the easiest things to get fixed! How do you do that?

Report it! Be sure to give the exact location.

Metro need your help reporting potholes, use one of the methods below;

1. Use an online form by clicking here.

Use Twitter by sending the location of the hole to @LouMetro311 and include the hashtag #502pothole. 3. Call Metro311 or 574-5000 to report potholes or any other issues. 4. Call our office at 574-1118, and we'll turn it in on your behalf.