The Baltimore Free University offers one- to eight- week classes this fall on every topic from philosophy and socialism, to financial planning, cooking, and purchasing a home.

Registration for each class costs $10 per class, and registration begins at The Village Learning Place on Charles Street between 25th and 26th street on Weds., Sept 27, 2006. Registration closes on October 5.

The Village Learning Place also is hosting a "Meet the Instructors" evening on Sept. 27 from 6 pm to 7pm. The Baltimore Free University is a project backed by them and the Johns Hopkins Center for Social Concern.

The Village Learning Place is located at 2521 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, Maryland.

Courses include:

1) A Jazz Study from Congo Square to Carnegie Hall
Instructor: Jim Held
Location: Cafe Latte'da
1704 Aliceanna Street in Fells Point
Dates Offered: Oct. 9 to Nov. 20
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Mondays

An exploration of America's only original art form, the Study focuses on the seminal figures through film, taped interviews, exhibits, and a live jazz performance. Jim Held is a lifelong aficionado of jazz and is a member of the Baltimore Jazz Alliance.

2) Tee Party ~ T-shirt Design & Embellishment
Instructor: Noreen Smith
Location: Village Learning Place
Date Offered: Sat., Nov. 11 from 10am-Noon

3) The Class Struggle and the Road to Socialism
Instructor: A. Robert (Bob) Kaufman
Location: 2001 N. Hilton St.
Dates Offered: Sun., Oct. 8 to Dec. 10 from 4-6pm

You may register for BFU courses at the VLP until October 5th, during regular library hours, but phone or mail-in registration is not accepted at this time.