The Baltimore Free University is a non-profit educational organization first created in 1968 that offers month and two-month long seminars on sundry topics, from beginner's Spanish to a three-week course in how to make soup. Courses range from "The Alternative Press" to " Public Speaking " to "Working Towards an Ideal Childbirth." There is a cornucopia of classes to choose from.

Registration is either in person or by phone at The Village Learning Place, an educational non-profit in Charles Village at 2521 St. Paul Street. The registration phone number is 410-235-2210, extension 204, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily, and ask for Tonya.

"Conversational Spanish for Everyday Use (Beginner)" is lead by retired Baltimore Public School language-specialist Sheila Smith Banks. It is held on Saturday mornings from March 11 to April 29. "The Alternative Press" by this Web site's very own editors is a five-week course which starts with a history of the U.S. alternative press and ends with a workshop on writing for it. The class is held on Tuesday nights from April 4 to May 2.

The Baltimore Free University's entire spring line-up offers an eclectic yet practical range of classes. Some practical workshops include an April workshop on "Preparing for Home Ownership" and a March workshop called "Websites for Small Businesses." One day workshops include an April 15 workshop about marketing strategy called "Marketing 101," and a "Gardening Lecture" on April 8 by gardening professionals Allan DeGray and Larry Kloze.

Workshops cost a nominal $10 because Baltimore Free University is intended to be a forum for community members to share their skills within the community.

Politically orientated workshops are "Conversations on Socialism" with venerable Baltimore socialist Bob Kaufman, and "The Alternative Press" with Baltimore Indymedia editors.

Culture-minded classes include "Some Essays of John Ruskin" by Johns Hopkins professor Ed Hopkins beginning on May 9, a survey of jazz history by Baltimore Jazz Alliance member Jim Held from March 6 to April 17, and a one-day class on March 14 by sustainable development student Travis Leivo that is called "Baltimore: An Urban Ecosystem."

Brochures listing the various class are available at The Village Learning Place. While reservations are accepted through extension 204, for questions call the front desk at 410-235-2210.

The Village Learning Place works with Johns Hopkins' Center for Social Concern in facilitating this university. The Village Learning Place offers free library and computer resources to the public, and also runs an after-school program in Charles Village.