Birmingham Public Library Blog

✈️ Don’t have a STAR ID yet? You’re not alone. But don't worry: there’s a smart alternative right here in Birmingham - the Birmingham Public Library (BPL) . At BPL’s Central Library , Avondale Regional , and Springville Road Regional Library , our friendly staff can guide you through the passport application process quickly and easily. Many Alabama travelers are finding that a U.S. passport offers more flexibility and peace of mind than a STAR ID. Whether you’re planning an international trip, flying to visit family, or simply want a trusted federal ID, getting your passport at BPL is convenient, family‑friendly, and stress‑free. Passports are especially useful for seniors, students, and first‑time travelers. ✈️ Why choose a passport over a STAR ID? 🌍 Passport vs. STAR ID A passport keeps you travel‑ready and is accepted nationwide for: ✅ Domestic Flights ✅ Federal Buildings ✅ International Travel   ✔️ Nationwide Acceptance A passport isn’t limited to domestic flights. I...

  Above are examples of what the 3D printed lamps created at North Birmingham Library will look like. At the North Birmingham Regional Library, we’re shining a new light on creativity - literally! Our new  3D Printed Lamp Program gives patrons the chance to design unique lamps that showcase their favorite memories. This hands-on program is divided into two sessions: Part 1: Held on August 13, where participants learned about the 3D printing process and picked out the frame colors for their custom lamps.  Part 2: Coming up on Tuesday, September 10 , when we’ll put it all together and bring those lamps to life. Each lamp is more than just a craft; it’s a keepsake. By adding cherished photos or designs, participants create a one-of-a-kind piece they can treasure for years to come. Patrons loved the first session and were fascinated by the possibilities of 3D printing. We’re just getting started, and we can’t wait to keep exploring this technology in future proje...

  Explore What’s Happening at BPL – August 25–29, 2025 The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) continues to offer exciting programs that go way  beyond books. With 18 library locations across the city, there's always something to learn, discover, or enjoy for patrons of all ages, activities that meet our mission to provide the highest quality experience to our community for lifelong learning, cultural enrichment and enjoyment.  This week’s Beyond Books spotlight features a craft program by the Birmingham Museum of Art at East Lake Branch, a Grow With Google workshop at the Central Library, Play Create & Imagine Lab at North Avondale Branch, and more. Here’s your guide to this week’s featured programs happening Monday through Friday. 📅 Weekly Highlights August 25–29 Coding Club 🕒 Monday, August 25 | 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. | North Avondale Branch Library Learn coding basics through fun projects on Scratch, experiment with binary coding, and even make binary “ch...

🥂 🎉   Countdown to Magic City Classic Week: Your 2025 Planning Guide Starts Here at BPL 🥂 🎉 BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The 2025 Magic City Classic may seem far off, but seasoned fans know the time to start planning is now. Whether you’re a longtime attendee or a first-timer, early prep can make the difference between scrambling and celebrating.  The Birmingham Public Library has your back as we gear up for the biggest HBCU football rivalry in the nation! From booking hotels and picking outfits to planning family reunions and finding the best food and pub spots, we’ve got your Classic Week checklist ready to roll. 🎟️ And don’t forget: It all starts with our official kickoff party , Classic Cocktails ,  on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at the Central Library downtown. ✅ 10 Ways to Prep for Magic City Classic Week 1. Add Classic Cocktails to Your Calendar Kick off your Classic Week in style at Classic Cocktails, a high-energy evening of drinks, music, tailgate food, and good...

  🥂   🎉 Magic City Classic Countdown! 🎉 🥂   We’re getting ready for the biggest week in Birmingham, and we want to know where YOU stand! How early do you start prepping for Magic City Classic Week? Are you the one who’s had your tickets and outfits ready for weeks? Or are you a person who thrives on last-minute energy? 👇 Vote in our Classic Cocktails Prep Poll below and let us know!   👇 1️⃣ When do you buy your game tickets? Already got mine! A month or two out Last minute (no judgment) 2️⃣ When do you shop for your Classic gear? Months in advance! Gotta stay fresh! A few weeks before Week of the game! 3️⃣ Do you have a family reunion planned that weekend? Yes! It's a tradition Not this year, but maybe next No reunion, just vibes 4️⃣ When do you book your hotel? As soon as dates drop A few weeks out I’m staying with family/friends 5️⃣ What are you most excited about? The game Classic Cocktails (only...

  Shaheed & DJ Supreme with NBC 13 Anchor Brittany Decker after recording a video at BPL downtown.   BPL Executive Director Janine Langston with Shaheed at the Central Library.  Birmingham, AL – Birmingham hip-hop duo Shaheed & DJ Supreme have once again put their passion for literacy into a beat with the release of their latest single and music video, “Knowledge of Shelf,” a powerful, upbeat anthem celebrating the magic of libraries and the joy of reading. Released August 4 on K.R.U. Recordings/Who?Mag Distribution, the track blends smooth, classic hip-hop grooves with a timely message: let’s make going to the library great again. The single was mixed and mastered by Grammy Award-winning engineer Darrell Thorp, with cover art by Erick Hernandez and March the 5ifth. 🎥 Video Filmed at Birmingham Public Library On August 12, the duo recorded a video for “Knowledge of Shelf” inside the Central Library, spotlighting the role libraries play in building community. ...

  🔬 What:   2025  Genetic Genealogy News,  Part 2 – Free Workshop 📅 Date: Wednesday, August 27, 2025 ⏰ Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. 📍 Location:  Create 205 Lab, 2nd Floor, Central Library, 2100 Park Place or Online via Zoom 🔗 Zoom Link: Join Here 🧬  Explore the Newest Developments in DNA Testing If you’ve been following the latest in genealogy, you know the field is changing fast. In this follow-up to our August 13 workshop, “2025 Genetic Genealogy News, Part 2,” we’ll cover updates we couldn’t get to the first time, including newly released products, major service upgrades, and even a recent change in company ownership within the last six months. Learn how these developments impact consumers and get your questions answered during an interactive Q&A session. 👨‍🏫  Presented by Paul Boncella Led by Paul Boncella, BPL’s map conservator and genetic genealogy specialist, this workshop will explain evolving tools, subscription ...

  Meet the Tiny Lady With the Big Voice at Books, Blues & BBQ September 12 at the Central Library BPL's Loud at the Library Presents “Books, Blues & BBQ” 📅  When:  Friday, September 12, 2025 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. 📍  Where: C entral Library, 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203 🎶  Who:   “Hurricane”  Elaine Hudson  💵  Admission:  Free & Open to the public For more information, visit our website  www.cobpl.org  or follow BPL on social media.  Birmingham, AL –  Blues and barbecue are a perfect pairing. When you add books to the mix, it’s a recipe for an unforgettable evening. The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) is bringing back its popular Books, Blues & BBQ event on Friday, September 12, at the Central Library downtown. Headlining this year’s free, public concert is “Hurricane”  Elaine  Hudson, a Birmingham blues legend inducted into the Alabama Blues Hall of Fame as a Master Blues Artis...