Books & Beyond: BPL Has Programs for All Ages During 2026 National Friends of Libraries Week

Celebrate the Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library

Discover What Your Libraries Have to Offer Monday-Saturday, Oct. 19-24, 2026

Written by Roy L. Williams, PR Specialist - Birmingham Public Library

Birmingham, Ala. - National Friends of Libraries Week is  a time to celebrate the people who support libraries and the communities they serve.

At Birmingham Public Library (BPL), we're celebrating by inviting you to come out in person and discover what's happening at our 17 libraries. During the week of Monday through Saturday, October 19-24, libraries across Birmingham will offer programs and activities for children, teens, adults and families, from crafts and dancing to STEAM, fitness, story time, games, travel and more.

Whether you're looking to learn a new skill, meet your neighbors, entertain the kids or simply try something different, there's lots of fun and educational things to do at BPL.

If you want to support the Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library, click here https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/supportbhampubliclibrary

 Here is a look at events and programs happening this week at BPL:

CREATE: Art, Crafts & Sewing

If you enjoy making things, discovering artists or simply getting creative, BPL has plenty to explore during Friends of Libraries Week.

Nature Speaks: Metamorphoses by Carl Smith
Daily during library hours Oct. 19-24 | 9 a.m.-6 p.m. | Sculpture Gallery, Central Library

Discover the work of Fairfield artist Carl Smith, who transforms fallen trees and vines into unique sculptures, pedestals and wall pieces. Using a variety of tools and techniques, Smith brings out the natural colors, textures and patterns found in decaying wood collected from roadsides, parks and bodies of water.

Smith has worked with wood for more than 40 years, creating artwork from species including cedar, mulberry, Southern red oak, sycamore and wisteria. His work has been featured at art festivals throughout Central Alabama, including Magic City Art Connection and Moss Rock Festival.

The exhibition and accompanying artist’s talk are made possible in part by a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts.

 The Company We Keep

Central Library | Daily during library hours

Visit the Central Library’s First Floor Art Gallery for The Company We Keep, an exhibition featuring artwork by participants in InToto Creative Arts' community-centered healing arts program. The exhibition explores identity, relationships, and shared experiences through a variety of media. The exhibit is supported by a grant from the Alabama State Council of the Arts.  

Yarn & Learn
East Ensley | Monday, Oct. 19 | 3-5 p.m.

Learn how to crochet while creating handmade items to wear or give as gifts.

Stitch & Chat
East Ensley | Thursday, Oct. 22 | 1-3 p.m.

Bring your love of stitching and quilting and connect with fellow crafters.

Paint a Ceramic Halloween Ornament
East Lake | Monday, Oct. 19 | 2-3 p.m.

Create a Halloween ornament. All materials are provided.

Crafts, Conversation & Community
Springville Road | Monday, Oct. 19 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Make a craft, enjoy good conversation and connect with other adults.

Off the Hook Crochet
Smithfield | Tuesday, Oct. 20 | 10-11 a.m.

Learn new crochet techniques and connect with fellow crafters.

GET MOVING: Dance, Fitness & Wellness

Line Dancing with Mary Webb
Five Points West | Monday, Oct. 19 | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Put on your dancing shoes! Beginners and experienced dancers are welcome.

Slide City Chair Aerobics
North Birmingham | Wednesday-Friday, Oct. 21-23 | 9:30-10 a.m.

Get moving with this popular senior fitness program featuring chair exercises, music, cardio and cool-down activities.

 Beginner Tai Chi for Seniors

Pratt City | 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 21

Learn gentle Tai Chi movements with certified instructor Candace Shrum. No prior experience is required.

Line Dancing with Tracy Williams
Titusville | Friday, Oct. 23 | 10:45-11:30 a.m.

Learn the latest line dances. All skill levels, including beginners, are welcome.

Line Dancing with Tracy Williams

East Ensley Branch Library| 1 – 2 p.m., Friday, October 23

Learn the latest line dances and step up your game on old favorites in this popular line dance class led by Tracey Williams.

PLAY & LEARN: Kids, Families & Youth

Time for Tales with Ms. Cas
Avondale Regional | Thursday, Oct. 22 | 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Preschoolers and early elementary children can enjoy an action-packed story time. Registration required.

Curiosity Corner
Five Points West | Throughout the week

Drop in for crafts, STEM activities, movies, games and more.

Toy Takeover
Five Points West | Throughout the week

Little ones and their grown-ups can enjoy self-directed play with a rotating selection of toys and activities.

Grow with Inglenook
Inglenook | Monday, Oct. 19 | 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Youth can learn and grow together through this interactive learning and resource-sharing program.

Full STEAM Ahead
Inglenook | Wednesday, Oct. 21 | 4-5 p.m.

Explore hands-on STEAM activities designed to build skills and creativity.

Genius of Play
Wylam | Thursday, Oct. 22 | 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Interactive games encourage critical thinking, social connections and creativity.

Ready Saturdays

Central Library | Saturday, Oct. 24 | 10 a.m.-noon

Parents and caregivers can play, learn and grow with their young children through this free, play-based learning program from Small Magic.

READ, PLAY & CONNECT

Beyond Your Ordinary Book Club
Springville Road | Tuesday, Oct. 20 | 2-3 p.m.

This isn't your ordinary book club. Participants can read, listen to or watch media related to a selected topic and discuss their choices. October's topic: international crime.

Recipe Roundup
Titusville | Wednesday, Oct. 21 | 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Share favorite recipes and discover new ones for the upcoming holiday season.

Chill Mode
Smithfield | Friday, Oct. 23 | 3:30-5 p.m.

Patrons of all ages can enjoy video games at the library.

Bingo
West End | Thursday, Oct. 22 | 11 a.m.-noon

Enjoy a few lively games of Bingo with friends and neighbors. Prizes will be awarded to winners.

LEARN SOMETHING NEW

Basic ASL for All
Inglenook | Thursday, Oct. 22 | 4-5 p.m.

Learn the basics of American Sign Language during this free community workshop.

Lunch & Learn: Homebuying Basics
Pratt City | Thursday, Oct. 22 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Learn the basics of homebuying as part of a four-week course. Lunch will be provided.

Ready Saturdays: Small Magic at BPL (Saturdays in October and November)
Central Library | Saturday, Oct. 24 | 10 a.m.-noon. Walk-ups welcome

Small Magic’s Ready Saturdays program encourages parents and caregivers to slow down, follow their child’s lead and discover simple ways to support learning through everyday moments. Trained educators will provide activities, guidance and encouragement while families learn together in a welcoming library environment

BPL MOBILE ON THE MOVE

Birmingham Public Library is taking our services on the road. Through our bookmobile, BPL Mobile, we bring many of the services available at BPL locations directly into the community, including books, computers and free Wi-Fi, printing and notarizing, and programs ranging from story time to STEM activities.

BPL Mobile will be at two locations this week.

Railroad Park
Tuesday, Oct. 20 | Noon-1 p.m.

Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority
Wednesday, Oct. 21 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

GET STARTED ON YOUR NEXT INTERNATIONAL VACATION ADVENTURE AT BPL

Passport & Travel Agent Fair

Central Library | Saturday, Oct. 24 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Thinking about your next vacation or international adventure? Stop by the Central Library for BPL's Passport & Travel Agent Fair. Meet travel professionals and learn more about getting a passport through Birmingham Public Library. While at the fair, check out the  Birmingham Black Authors Fair happening on the 2nd Floor. 

Celebrate the Friends. Discover Your Library.

National Friends of Libraries Week is about recognizing the people who help make libraries stronger. It's also a great time to discover everything your public library has to offer.

Visit the BPL calendar (www.cobpl.org/calendar) for complete program information, locations and registration details.

 Learn more about BPL programs and events by clicking on our calendar, www.cobpl.org/calendar

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