LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Local elementary and middle school students will soon compete for a spot in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Louisville Free Public Library (LFPL) will be a regional host of the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee

  • The event will take place Saturday, March 9, 2024 at the Main Library, 301 York St. 

  • Louisville has been without a local sponsor and host for years, but LFPL's regional sponsorship this year was made possible through Library Foundation support 

  • Schools interested in competing are encouraged to register online here 

In partnership with the bee, the Louisville Free Public Library (LFPL) will be a regional host of the 2024 event, set for Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the Main Library, 301 York St. The regional competition will see students push for a spot in the Scripps National Spelling Bee come May 2024, taking place in Washington, D.C. 

As the nation's largest and longest-running educational program, the Scripps National Spelling Bee was launched in 1925 and reaches millions of students across the U.S. The winner of the first-ever National Spelling Bee was from Louisville, which has been without a local sponsor and host for years. According to the LFPL, its regional sponsorship this year was made possible through support from the Library Foundation.

“The Scripps Spelling Bee is a fantastic complement to the Library’s ongoing work to develop kids’ reading skills," said Library Director Lee Burchfield in a news release. "When we found out we had the opportunity to host the regional competition, we knew we had to do it. 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.”

Schools interested in competing are encouraged to register online here. The library encourages those interested to stay tuned for more information by visiting its website. Individuals and organizations can also support the library's participation in the bee by visiting the foundation's website or calling (502) 754-1702. 

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