Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning Classes

Calligraphy

(In-person)

During this course, participants will be introduced to the history and essential tools of calligraphy (the art of decorative handwriting). Participants will learn various techniques before completing a personalized keepsake.

Instructor:Siera Gaston began lettering in 2019. She utilized her time off during pandemic to master the skill before teaching a similar course.

Where: Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, 3030 Poplar, 38111 (Children Storytime Room)
Dates: June 6, 13, 20, 27
Times: Thursdays, 1:00pm–2:00p
Ages: 18 and over

Multiple Streams of Income

(In-person)

Led by Successful Living & Economic & Community Development Corporation, this 4-part series is designed around how an entrepreneur can make one million ($1,000,000) in one year. Strategies for income include intellectual property, social media monetizing, real estate wholesaling, and e-book publishing/promotion.

Instructor: Efrem Keith Simmons has been performing business development and management consulting for over 32 years. He works as a Senior Business Consultant with The Consulting Group Inc and as a Senior Trainer with the non-profit, Successful Living Economic & Community Development Corporation (SLECDC).

Where: Crenshaw Branch Library (Meeting room)
Dates: June 22, 29, July 6, 13
Times: Saturdays, 11:00am–12:00pm 
Ages: 18 and over

Canva for Starters

(In-Person)

This 4-part course is designed for beginners who are new to graphic design and want to learn how to create stunning designs using Canva. From posters to social media graphics, students will explore Canva’s intuitive interface, learn basic design principles, and unleash their creativity to produce visually appealing content. Through hands-on projects and guided tutorials, students will gain the skills and confidence to create professional-looking designs for personal and academic purposes.

Instructor: Briana Brooks is the owner of B. Lashon Enterprises which consist of three different businesses. She began her entrepreneurship journey in 2016. Bri Bliss Designs was her first business, and it has grown to over 500 plus clients both domestic and international.

Where: Whitehaven Branch Library, 4120 Millbranch Rd, 38116 (Meeting Room)
Dates: June 4, 11, 18, 25 
Times: Tuesdays, 2pm–3pm 
Ages: 18 and over

Graphic Design

(in-person)

Prepare yourself for an introductory course into the world of Graphic Design! In this course, you will learn about the essential building blocks that make designs truly great, such as balance, rhythm, pattern, emphasis, contrast, unity, and movement. Additionally, you will dive into the art of typography, exploring different font styles to make your designs stand out. You will get hands-on experience creating eye-catching posters with awesome layouts, colors, and messages. Don’t worry about finding resources, as there are plenty of free design tools and assets to boost your creativity. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore the endless possibilities of design and let your imagination run wild!

Instructor: Lucero Soto is a graphic designer specializing in design and social media. She is a graduate of Memphis College of Art.

Where: Randolph Library, 3752 Given Ave, 38122 (Meeting)
Dates: July 6, 13, 20, 27
Times: Saturdays, 11am–12pm 
Ages: 18 and over

Africa in Focus

(in-person)

Africa in Focus was designed to teach members in our community about the history and culture of various communities in Africa. Virtual guest speakers, cross-cultural collaborations, and live demonstrations are features of the program. We will focus on the Ashanti people and the noted Kente fabric, the history and traditions of Senegal, Nigeria and inexpensive ways to travel the continent.

Instructor: Tanisha Dudley-Williams is a teacher with Memphis Shelby County Schools. She has been in the education field for 25-years. In addition to having bachelor and masters degrees she received her Teaching Africa Teacher Certificate through Boston University African Studies Center in 2022. In 2019 she spent time in Senegal as Fulbright Teachers for Global Classroom Fellow. She was also a participant in the 2022 Fulbright-Hays group project abroad which provided her an opportunity to spend time in Ghana.

Register online at memphislibrary.org

Where: Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, 3030 Poplar, 38111 (Room L56)
Dates: July 6, 13, 20, 27
Times: Saturdays, 11am–12pm 
Ages: 18 and over

Digital Photography & Videography

(In-person)

Learn photography basics consisting of film, digital photography, lighting, and film print.

Instructor: Alandras Massey, Jr. is a multi-media specialist with more than 25-years of experience in mass communication and journalism. He is the founder and owner of AMJ Production.

Where: Raleigh Branch Library, 3452 Austin Peay Highway, 38128
When: July 1, 8, 15, 22
Times: Mondays, 12pm – 1pm
Ages: 18 and over

Videography

(In-person)

This class is designed to teach students the principles, procedures, and techniques of videography. Students will execute practical exercises in video production. The areas to be covered are video camera setup, video recordings, lighting, and microphone etc. If you own or have a video camera please bring it to class.

Instructor: Alandras Massey, Jr. started his video career in 1994 as an intern with WHBQ Memphis as a camera operator. He received a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and master’s degree in mass communication. After graduation he worked as a production assistant with WKNO and a photojournalist at ABC/24. He also owns a video production business.

Where: Raleigh Branch Library, 3452 Austin Peay Highway, 38128
When: June 3, 10, 17, 24
Times: Mondays 10am – 11am
Ages: 18 and over

Home Buyers

(In-person)

In this 2-part course you will learn all the ins and outs of buying a home and home ownership. This course includes information on types of mortgages, interest rates, purchasing agreements, escrow, closing, repairs, government assistance programs and much more.

Instructor: Tracie Becker is a Memphis native who started in the mortgage and real estate industry in 2001. The University of Memphis graduate entered the Financial Services Industry in 2007 and has an active license in the field. She is currently a senior loan officer with Able Financial Inc. Her passion is helping people reach their dream of home ownership.

Where: Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, 3030 Poplar, 38111 (Room L56)
Dates: June 22, 29 
Times: Saturdays, 12pm-2pm 
Ages: 18 and over 

American Sign Language

(In-person)

Classes will take on the natural, visual, non-spoken language with its own distinct grammatical structure. Shape, movements, and location of the hands, facial expressions and body will be utilized for communicating.

Instructor: Wanda Gray started her sign language journey in 2014 when a customer who was deaf came into her office. Wanda was frustrated with not being able to communicate with the customer, so she made the decision to teach herself the language. She told the customer, “When you come back into the office, I will be speaking your language.” He came back in April and the rest is history.

Where: Whitehaven Branch Library, 4120 Millbranch, 38116 (Meeting Room)
When: June 4, 11, 18, 25
Times: Tuesday, 6pm-7pm
Ages: 18 and over

American Sign Language

(in-person)

Classes will take on the natural, visual, non-spoken language with its own distinct grammatical structure. Shape, movements, and location of the hands, facial expressions and body will be utilized for communicating.

Where: Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, 3030 Poplar, 38111 (Meeting Room C)
When: July 9, 16, 23, 30
Times: Tuesday, 6pm-7pm
Ages: 18 and over

Chinese for the Traveler

(In-person)

Embark on a journey into the heart of Chinese language and culture. Over the span of four engaging sessions participants will dive into the essentials of Mandarin Chinese, with a special focus on practical conversation skills tailored to enhance your ability to navigate everyday interactions during visits to China. Led by an experienced instructor, the classes will seamlessly blend language instruction with insights into Chinese culture, providing valuable context and background information to enrich your learning experience. Whether you’re a novice eager to start your language journey or a seasoned traveler seeking to enhance your linguistic skills.

Instructor: Xiaoqun Crystal Shi is a culturally rich individual who embarked on a transformative journey from China to the US in pursuit of knowledge, blending the realms of science and business to carve a successful career path in a Fortune 100 company. With a quarter-century of experience as a marketing expert and business leader, she retired early to savor life’s diverse offerings. She has shared her love for Chinese language and culture by teaching preschoolers at the Memphis Chinese School, further deepening her appreciation for her heritage.

Where: Cordova Branch Library, 8457 Trinity Rd, 38018 (Conference Room)
Dates: June 3, 10, 17, 24
Times: Mondays, 11am-12pm
Ages: 18 and over

Introduction to Japanese Language and Culture

(In-person)

This introductory Japanese course is designed to introduce the Japanese language to learners with little to no experience. Over four dynamic 1-hour sessions, you will be introduced to fundamental greetings, survival phrases, and practical vocabulary, catering to adult learners of all ages. Through engaging, interactive activities you’ll learn to confidently navigate everyday situations, from ordering food to mastering basic grammar concepts. Join us on this fulfilling journey of language learning and cultural exploration.

Instructor: Kon’nichiwa! Mikyla Bowen has studied Japanese for over 10 years and is very excited to introduce this wonderful culture to you. After sparking her interest with Japanese culture in high school, she received her undergraduate BA in both Psychology and Japanese at the University of Memphis. Having participated in a government-sponsored initiative to strengthen ties between the US and Japan, she experienced firsthand the power of cultural exchange in both business and education. Currently, she serves as the Japanese teacher at White Station Middle School. Additionally, she leads the Japanese Culture Club at Benjamin L. Hooks Library, fostering community engagement.

Where: Cossitt Branch Library, 33 South Front Street, 38103
Dates: June 6, 13, 20, 27
Times: Thursdays, 2:00pm– 3:00pm
Ages: 18 and over

Speak the Speech! Public Speaking

(In-person)

“SPEAK THE SPEECH!” is a focused public speaking workshop designed to teach participants the rudiments of public speaking (often, threatening) in a non-threatening confidence building manner. The workshop combines some basic rules of speech making with participants’ natural physical and verbal expressiveness to teach an invaluable skill that many fear worse than death.

Instructor: Levi Frazier, Jr. has a combined total of twenty years of teaching public speaking at Volunteer State Community College, the University of Memphis, and Southwest Tennessee Community College. He is also a member of Toastmasters International. He has given numerous speeches throughout his career as a theatre artist.

Where: Cherokee, 3300 Sharpe Ave, 38111 (Meeting Room)
When: June 4, 11, 18, 25
Times: Tuesdays, 4:30pm– 5:30pm
Ages: 18 and over

Critical Thinking-How to Make Better Decisions

(in-person)

Led by Successful Living Economic & Community Development Corporation, This course is designed to help adults deal with challenging life situations such as late-life career transitions, layoffs, marriage failures, and midlife crisis. This course will help the participants learn coping skills and techniques to positively deal with these life situations.

Instructor: Efrem Keith Simmons has two advanced degrees from the University of Memphis, including a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies. This degree focused on critical thinking from scholarly resources, lifelong learning, and effective communication.

Register online at memphislibrary.org

Where:Parkway Village Branch Library, 4655 Knight Arnold Rd, 38118  
Dates: June 18, 25, July 2, 9
Times: Tuesdays, 4pm–5pm 
Ages: 18 and over

Do It Yourself Small Claim Court Filing

(Virtual)

Class will share with individuals who cannot afford an attorney through the process of filing a small claim in Shelby County General Sessions Court on their own behalf (pro se). It will cover the court’s rules, decorum, filing procedures, service of process, presenting a case, and enforcement of judgement.

Instructor: Julian R. Griffin is a paralegal professional with more than 20-years’ experience in executing detailed tasked in fast-paced and deadline driven environments. He has diversified experience in employment, social security, personal injury, and worker’ compensation law.

Where: Virtual
When: June 1, 8, 15, 22
Times: Saturdays, 1pm-2pm
Ages: 18 and over

Craft Making with Vinyl & Sublimation

(In-person)

Class will show how to make products through use of sublimation printing, epoxy tumbling, silhouette cameo and much more.

Instructor: Marlena Oliver-Coleman is the founder and owner of Lena’s Creative Innovations. Marlena has been printing for six years and loves what she does, creating for others and bringing their vision to life. She owns several different printing machines and software.

Where: Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, 3030 Poplar, 38111 (1st floor L56)
When: July 10, 17
Times: Wednesdays, 5:30 pm-7:30pm
Ages: 18 and over

Saxophone Techniques

(In-person)

This course is geared towards students of all levels. It focuses on fundamentals such as sound, technique, music reading, and improvisation. Participants will learn how to effectively practice and make individual goals on the instrument. Participants will also have the opportunity to play in small ensembles. Course materials and resources will be provided for the course. Bring your own saxophone.

Instructor: Cameron Ross is a 23-year veteran in music education. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Arkansas State University and a Master of Music Education from The University of Memphis. Along with teaching, Cameron is an active performing in the Memphis area and across the country. He has also released two music projects that charted in the top 10 on the Billboard jazz charts. Many of his former students have gone on to be professional musicians and music educators.

Where: North Branch Library, 1192 Vollintine Avenue, 38107
Dates: June 4, 18, July 9, 23
Times: Tuesdays, 2pm-3pm
Ages: 18 and over