Summer Reading 2016 Programs for Teens

The Birmingham Public Library has a summer of fun planned with activities, programs, and prizes for children, teens, and adults. Register for Summer Reading 2016 at your favorite branch, or visit BPL's summer reading page to register online, log your books, view the event calendar, and more.

Below is a list of system-wide summer reading programs for teens, but check the event calendar for a complete list of programs happening at all BPL locations this summer.

Get in the Chemistry Game – Have some fun with chemical reactions and see that chemistry is cool. We'll be exploring states of matter by making elephant toothpaste, mixing Diet Coke with Mentos, and much more. Don't miss this explosively good time.

Pratt City – June 1, at 2:00 p.m.
Ensley – June 2, at 10:00 a.m.
North Birmingham – June 7, at 2:00 p.m.
Wylam – June 16, at 1:00 p.m.
Powderly – June 30, at 1:00 p.m.
Five Points West – July 6, at 2:00 p.m.
East Ensley – July 7, at 2:00 p.m.
Smithfield – July 19, at 10:00 a.m.

Get in the Game…Paint! – Local artist, Cherie Hunt will provide step-by-step instructions for participants to complete their very own canvas masterpiece. Limited space. Registration required.

East Ensley – June 13, at 2:00 p.m.
North Birmingham – June 14, at 2:00 p.m.
East Lake – June 15, at 3:30 p.m.
North Avondale – June 16, at 10:30 a.m.
Avondale – June 16, at 2:00 p.m.
Smithfield – June 21, at 10:00 a.m.
Five Points West – June 22, at 2:00 p.m.
Ensley – June 23, at 10:00 a.m.
Wylam – June 23, at 2:00 p.m.
Southside – July 7, at 10:30 a.m.
Pratt City – July 7, at 2:00 p.m.
Woodlawn – July 12, at 4:00 p.m.
West End – July 13, at 2:00 p.m.
Inglenook – July 15, at 3:00 p.m.
Powderly – July 21, at 1:30 p.m.

Get in the Game with Virtual Reality – Love to play video games? Ever thought about designing them? UAB’s ET (Enabling Technologies Laboratory) will provide an awesome interactive presentation and discussion for teens regarding virtual reality complete with giant screens, Oculus Rift headsets to test out, and more! We’ll talk about virtual reality in technology, why it’s important, and what role it will play in the future.

Ensley – June 16, at 2:00 p.m.
Central – June 21, at 4:00 p.m.
East Ensley – June 23, at 2:00 p.m.
Five Points West – June 29, at 2:00 p.m.
Southside – July 11, at 10:30 a.m.

Hit a Home Run with the Negro Southern League Museum – The Negro Southern League Museum (NSLM) and the Birmingham Public Library are excited to share the newest museum to be added to the Birmingham community. Toby Richards, curator for the NSLM, will be sharing artifacts from the rare and priceless collection of Dr. Layton Revel beyond the walls of the museum and into the community for a hands-on experience for youth, teens, and, adults to enjoy. Join us for a look into Birmingham's past with America's game: baseball!

Southside – June 21, at 10:30 a.m.
Smithfield – July 5, at 10:00 a.m.
Springville Road – July 6, at 10:00 a.m.

It’s So Easy to Exercise! – Join us for a sample of a low impact/chair exercise program designed for cardiovascular activity, strength training, and flexibility techniques. Certified fitness instructor Russell Lee will also include a brief talk on general exercise safety. Please bring your own exercise mat and towel. Wear suitable attire and tennis shoes.

Southside – June 14, at 10:30 a.m.
Smithfield – June 28, at 10:00 a.m.
Springville Road – June 29, at 10:00 a.m.
Wylam – June 30, at 2:00 p.m.
East Lake – July 6, at 10:00 a.m.
West End – July 6, at 2:00 p.m.
Five Points West – July 13, at 2:00 p.m.
Powderly – July 14, at 1:30 p.m.

On Your Mark, Get Set…Dance! – Come down to the library to learn the latest dance moves with M.A.D Skillz Dance Company. Dance is a great way to exercise and lots of fun at the same time. Learn to move and groove and have lots of fun.

Smithfield – June 7, at 10:00 a.m.
East Lake – June 8, at 10:00 a.m.
Five Points West – June 8, at 2:00 p.m.
East Ensley – June 9, at 2:00 p.m.
Central – June 14, at 4:00 p.m.
Springville Road – June 15, at 10:00 a.m.
West End – June 15, at 2:00 p.m.
Powderly – June 16, at 1:30 p.m.
North Birmingham – June 21, at 2:00 p.m.
Titusville – June 23, at 2:30 p.m.
Pratt City – June 29, at 2:00 p.m.
Ensley – July 7, at 10:00 a.m.
Avondale – July 7, at 2:00 p.m.
Wylam – July 14, at 2:00 p.m.