Expanding the Celebration of the National Book Festival to Kentucky

The Louisville Free Public Library and Kentucky Humanities announce three special family storytimes from acclaimed children’s author Brittany Thurman at LFPL locations. Celebrated for her captivating storytelling and engaging children’s books, Thurman will read from her book Forever and Always at the Jeffersontown, Western, and Iroquois libraries in August. Each storytime will be followed by a meet-and-greet with the author.

• Jeffersontown Library - Monday, August 19, 10:15 a.m.
• Western Library - Monday, August 26, 6 p.m.
• Iroquois Library - Thursday, August 29, 6:30 p.m.

Thurman is the author of several books, and her works often highlight themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the joy of reading. Her most recent book, Forever and Always, has enchanted young readers with its heartwarming tale and vibrant illustrations.

“We are excited to bring Brittany Thurman to the Louisville Free Public Library,” said Kentucky Humanities Executive Director Bill Goodman. “Brittany is an award-winning author who has tremendous talent for writing stories for children. This is a great opportunity for children and families to celebrate a love of reading together and for Kentuckians to see firsthand the literary talent we are so fortunate to have in the Commonwealth.”

This program is an expansion of the National Book Festival held in Washington, D.C. each year and organized by the Library of Congress.

The National Book Festival’s Roadmap to Reading is made possible by generous support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the National Endowment for the Humanities with additional support from Chief Officers of State Library Agencies. The tour in Kentucky was developed as a partnership with the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, the Kentucky Book Festival, the Kentucky Center for the Book, and Kentucky Humanities.

The Louisville Free Public Library is a cornerstone of education, culture, and community engagement, offering an extensive range of resources and programs to residents. With a vast collection of books, eBooks, audiobooks, and multimedia resources, the library caters to diverse interests and age groups. LFPL is renowned for its innovative programming, which includes early-literacy initiatives, nationally-bestselling author talks, cultural events, and the annual How-To Festival, all designed to promote lifelong learning and community connection. Learn more about the library at www.LFPL.org.

Kentucky Humanities is an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Since 1972, Kentucky Humanities has been dedicated to promoting a greater understanding of the humanities in Kentucky through programs, grants, and cultural heritage initiatives. For information about Kentucky Humanities’ programs and services, visit kyhumanities.org.

Blackacre State Nature Preserve & Historic Homestead is pleased to announce the Sunday Sunset Music Series returns September 8th and runs through September 29th.  Each week there will be a different style of music featured, including bluegrass, country, and jug band music.  Visitors come with chairs and blankets and spread out on a shaded lawn by the horse pasture. The 1792 Appalachian style barn and sunset serve as a backdrop to the performing group. Refreshments will be available. Time: 5:00-7:00 Cost is $20 per car (at gate).

Dennis, Executive Director, says, “We are grateful for our sponsors who value the importance of giving back to the community and providing a cultural experience.” 

Performance schedule

September 8^th:  Kicking off Blackacre’s Sunday Sunset Music Series, is Kaintuck Band.  They perform music by the Masters of Bluegrass and old country, including Bill Monroe and his Bluegrass Boys, The Stanley Brothers, Flatt & Scruggs, and many others. 

September 15^th: Big Steel Train plays a variety of music by artists including Johnny Cash, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean and Dierks Bentley.

September 22nd: The legendary Juggernaut Jug Band will play music that originated in Louisville and called 20’s rock and roll. They play an assortment of wildly interesting instruments including a jug, washboard, nose whistle and kazoo.

September 29th: Back by popular demand, Bluegrass group, Bourbon Revival. They perform a mashup of traditional bluegrass music with a mix of country, pop and rock. 

ABOUT BLACKACRE CONSERVANCY

The 280-acre nature preserve and historic homestead was given by Judge Macauley L. Smith and wife Emilie Strong Smith for the people of Kentucky. Visitors come to explore an early American homestead as they walk the grounds, hike trails, enjoy farm animals, and tour historic structures.  Blackacre’s mission is to promote environmental education, conservation, and preservation.

www.VisitBlackacre.org

Watch Progress on Live Giraffe Cam at louisvillezoo.org/giraffecam

There’s a six-foot-tall bundle of joy at the Louisville Zoo. A newborn male Masai giraffe, born to parents Kianga and Baridi on August 9, 2024, will mark the first giraffe calf born at the Zoo in 12 years. The last giraffe calf was Silvester in 2012. A name will be announced in the coming weeks.

 After a gestation period of 15 – 17 months, 7-year-old Kianga delivered the healthy calf, who weighed 160 pounds and stood at six feet and two inches tall at birth. This pregnancy was a planned part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan for Masai giraffes, aimed at maintaining the genetic diversity of managed animal populations in human care.

"We are delighted to celebrate this important birth,” said Dan Maloney, Director of the Louisville Zoo. "Both Kianga and the calf are doing well, and the Zoo staff is closely monitoring them to ensure their continued health and well-being."

Currently, the calf is being raised and nurtured off exhibit. Guests are invited to follow updates and watch the calf’s first weeks by viewing the giraffe cam at louisvillezoo.org/giraffecam. Updates on when the public can view the calf will be communicated via the Zoo’s social media channels and official website. The Zoo anticipates the calf will make its public debut in the coming days.

Guests can also “adopt” the giraffe calf through a special ADOPTS package coming soon which includes a mom and calf plushie, an adoption certificate, the adopter’s name listed on the Zoo’s website, a colorful Zoo magnet and two admission passes to visit to the Louisville Zoo — all for $99. Visit louisvillezoo.org/adopts for more information and to purchase.

Zoo fans can also support the new calf and mom with donations at louisvillezoo.org/giraffe-donation-2024. Support like this will help ensure that this adorable calf and his parents continue to receive top-notch care around the clock, engaging enrichment activities, and all the essentials needed to thrive. Donations of any amount make an impact.

About Masai Giraffes

Masai giraffes, native to East Africa, are the largest subspecies of giraffe. They are distinguished by their irregular, star-shaped spots which are like a fingerprint and unique to each individual animal.  The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species categorizes giraffes as a whole as vulnerable.  Masai giraffe numbers have declined more than 50 percent in last 30 years. Their largest threats are habitat loss and poaching. The Louisville Zoo is committed to the conservation of this majestic species through education, breeding programs, and support of conservation efforts in the wild.