Birmingham Public Library Blog

What:  BPL’s Bards & Brews Poetry Slam  When:  Friday, January 9, 2026 | 6:30–8:30 p.m. (on-site poet registration opens at 6:00 PM) Where:  Central Library, 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203 Sponsors:   Bards & Brews, the Birmingham Public Library's monthly spoken word poetry series, is supported by a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts presented to the Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library. Birmingham, Ala. -  Want to see and hear some of the top poets in metro Birmingham competing for a combined $500 in cash prizes? Birmingham Public Library invites you to our first Bards & Brews Poetry Slam of 2026 at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, January 9, at the Central Library downtown, 2100 Park Place.  Thed Weller will serve as host and singer  BrightLight , found on Facebook as the Brightlight Experience, will provide musical entertainment. Prize distribution will be as follows: the first pl...

  North Birmingham Regional Branch Library hosted several fun Craft Creations programs in November. We want to showcase some activities that stood out. * Our Fall Collage was held on November 7th and emphasized the creation of a seasonally appropriate collage while listening to soothing tunes. ·        *      Our November 14th program was a bad art competition where patrons were encouraged to make the worst piece of art. Voting took place to determine the winner. ·        *     On November 21st, we hosted a paint along where patrons were asked to follow along to a fun painting tutorial. Each program had something unique to offer and every patron walked away happy with the final product they produced. See some of the Craft Creations below.  Let us know what you think. Email Jana.brown@cobpl.org . Written by Jana Brown, Library Assistant III | North Birmingham Regional Branch Library

  Cindy Free – Clara with Nutcracker , bronze, 2023  If you plan to attend BPL’s Holiday Open House on December 16, stick around for the unveiling of three new bronze sculptures by Birmingham artist Cindy Free. Free’s sculptural rendition of the Sugar Plum Fairy, a character from the The Nutcracker ballet , is among the pieces that will be revealed at the opening reception of her exhibition Volumes in Bronze: A Sculptor’s Library of Moment . The reception will take place in the Lobby Gallery at the Central Library from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.    In addition to Sugar Plum Fairy , Free’s exhibition features 17 sculptures of figures such as the Greek goddess Athena, dancers engaged in a pas de deux , a mermaid, and other characters from The Nutcracker. Inspired by her experience as the founding artistic and executive director of Birmingham Ballet, Free began “The Nutcracker Collection” in 2023. Each year she adds another bronze to the series.   The artis...

                           Free, Fun, and Family-Friendly: Winter Break Activities at Birmingham Public Library Hey Birmingham-area parents! Looking for free and easy ways to keep the kids busy during Winter Break (mid-December to early January)? The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) has plenty of activities for kids of all ages, as well as programs for adults. Along with great books, you’ll find free programs, crafts, story times, video games, board games, and a huge Library of Things collection to check out. Here’s your guide to winter break fun across BPL locations : Holiday Movies Christmas Movie Mania Wednesdays, Dec. 10, 17 and 31 | 10 AM-12 PM| Smithfield Branch Library Christmas Theme Movie Showing Tuesday, Dec 16| 10:30 AM Join us for a free movie screening for adults! Patrons will enjoy watching a holiday classic at their library. Please register at (205) 322-1140. Holiday Storytime Family S...

What:  Central Library Winter Open House When:  Tuesday, December 16, 12–2 PM Where:  Birmingham Public Library, 200 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203 Looking for a fun, festive way to celebrate the holiday season in downtown Birmingham? Join us at the Central Library for our Winter Open House on Tuesday, December 16, from Noon to 2:00 PM. Enjoy a magical afternoon featuring live musical performances, hands-on holiday crafts, and complimentary seasonal treats, including cookies, hot cocoa and eggnog. This free, family-friendly event is open to all ages and is the perfect way to add a little holiday cheer to your day. To explore more holiday programs happening across the Birmingham Public Library system, visit our online calendar  or click here  . Also on Tuesday, December 16,  a new bronze sculpture of the Sugar Plum Fairy, a character from “The Nutcracker Ballet,” will be unveiled at the Birmingham Public Library (BPL). It will be revealed at the ope...

  Celebrate the holidays at the Birmingham Public Library (BPL) this season. Across BPL locations, patrons of all ages can enjoy free holiday programs, creative workshops, concerts, open houses, and more.  Visit the BPL online calendar for the full schedule and check out some of our highlights below! 🎄 Holiday Highlights at BPL Locations Avondale Regional Library Gingerbread House Family Night 🕚 6 PM | Tuesday, December 9 Sugar, spice, and everything nice! Kids and families are invited for hands-on gingerbread fun. Space is limited; registration required. Central Library Winter Open House 🕚 12–2 PM | Tuesday, December 16 Join us for a magical afternoon filled with live musical performances, creative crafts, and complimentary refreshments, including hot cocoa and eggnog. Getting the Most from a DNA Ancestry Test Kit 🕚 12–1 PM | Monday, December 29 Did you get an Ancestry DNA kit for Christmas? Learn how to interpret and make the most of your results in this class led ...

No Computer, No Wi-Fi? No Worries: BPL Has You Covered Libraries across the country are stepping up to bridge the digital divide, and the Birmingham Public Library (BPL) is proud to be leading the way in metro Birmingham. Not everyone has internet or a computer at home, but at BPL, that’s never a barrier. Every day, all 18 of our locations provide free Wi-Fi and public computer access during open hours. Whether you’re a student finishing an assignment, a job seeker completing applications, or a lifelong learner exploring new skills, BPL is here to make sure you have the tools you need to connect, create, and succeed.  Here’s how we at BPL, and libraries like us across the country, are filling this vital need: Wi-Fi Upgrades BPL recently rolled out a new, faster network for patrons: Library Guest (password: Connect2025 ). These upgrades ensure reliable high-speed access across our branches so you can browse, stream, and work without interruption. O...

More Than Shelves and Stories: The Arts Come Alive at BPL When most people think of libraries, they picture quiet reading rooms and shelves of books. But today’s libraries are so much more. Across the country, public libraries are reimagining themselves as vibrant cultural hubs. The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) is helping lead the way. From live music and poetry slams to art exhibits, dance classes, and signature events, BPL has become a stage, gallery, and classroom rolled into one. These programs not only showcase local talent but also create welcoming spaces where neighbors connect and celebrate Birmingham’s rich cultural fabric. Here are just a few ways BPL is opening its doors to creativity: Bards & Brews – For over 15 years, BPL’s monthly spoken word poetry and craft beer event has brought together poets, performers, and fans. In September, the Central Library hosted a lively Poetry Slam, with metro-area poets competing for $350 in prizes. Bards ...