Birmingham Public Library Blog

Tim Quarshie, curator of "The Ensley Childhood Project" on display at Central Library downtown. Are you a teenager looking for a fun summer activity? Stop by the Central Library this Friday, July 24, at 10:00 a.m. for a scrapbook session led by curator Tim Quarshie. Inspired by Ti m’s show The Ensley Childhood Project , this hands-on workshop invites junior high and high school-aged youth to transform a childhood photograph into a personal historical artifact. Participants are encouraged to bring a childhood photograph (physical or digital). Using scrapbook materials (provided) and guided prompts, they will explore the memories connected to their images while reflecting on the value of everyday history.  The workshop will be preceded by a guided tour of The Ensley Childhood Project , on view in the First Floor Gallery. Register for this free event at https://scrapbook_workshop.eventbrite.com . The Ensley Childhood Project and accompanying activity are made possible in pa...

Birmingham, Ala. -    As we count down to the 2026 Local Authors Expo happening Saturday, August 1 at the downtown Birmingham Public Library, BPL is spotlighting several of this year’s participating authors whose stories represent the incredible range of voices found throughout Alabama. Among the featured authors are: Gwendolyn Gamble. Featured Book: Foot Soldiers for Democracy: The Men, Women, and Children of the Birmingham Civil Rights Movement Gwendolyn Gamble is among the contributors to Foot Soldiers for Democracy , a powerful collection documenting the experiences of those who helped shape Birmingham’s Civil Rights Movement. Her participation highlights the Local Authors’ Expo’s role in preserving the voices and memories that continue to tell Alabama’s story. Phillip Stephens. Featured Book: Halftime — High School Pain & Glory After a 30-year career in business and engineering leadership, Phillip Stephens proves that it is never too late to pursue a dream. Stephens ...

  Birmingham, Ala. - The excitement is building for the 2026 Local Authors Expo as the Birmingham Public Library announces the first group of participating authors who will join this year’s celebration of Alabama literature, creativity and storytelling. Presented by the Tri-County (Alabama) Chapter of The Links, Inc. and the Birmingham Public Library, the annual expo will take place Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. downtown Central Location, 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203. Admission is free. The 2026 Local Authors’ Expo will feature 50 Alabama authors representing fiction, nonfiction and youth literature. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet authors, purchase signed books, receive autographs, discover new titles and learn more about the writing journey directly from the writers themselves. In addition to meeting local authors, attendees will enjoy keynote presentations from award-winning Birmingham artist, poet and author YOGI DADA and Hope Forten...

90-year-old Alice Huggins is among 50 participants in Slide City Chair Aerobics.   BPL PR Specialist Roy Williams prepares for 1st Slide City Chair Aerobics class.    I Traded My Camera for an Exercise Ball:  Inside North Birmingham Regional Library’s Slide City Chair Aerobics, where more than 50 people return three mornings a week for much more than a workout. BIRMINGHAM, AL — The music starts. The Commodores’ classic hit “Zoom” fills the room as more than 50 participants begin their morning warm-up. Brightly colored exercise balls rest in everyone’s hands as Samantha Gaston welcomes another group of participants to Slide City Chair Aerobics at North Birmingham Regional Library. Thirty minutes later, those same participants are laughing, sweating and celebrating another workout completed together. Welcome to Slide City Chair Aerobics. For the past three months, I’ve watched it through my camera lens. This week, I decided to experience it myself. As Birming...

  North Birmingham Regional Library is just one of many Birmingham Public Library locations helping residents improve their health through free fitness and wellness programs. Among the opportunities available are: ·         Slide City Chair Aerobics  -    Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9:30–10 a.m., North Birmingham Regional Library  - Since launching in February 2024, Slide City Chair Aerobics has become one of North Birmingham Regional Library's most popular health and wellness programs. Set to upbeat music from a variety of genres, the free 30-minute class welcomes beginners and experienced fitness enthusiasts alike. Mary's Chair Aerobics — Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10–11 a.m., West End Branch Library.- Chair aerobics exercise class offered twice a week. Senior Exercise Class at Memorial Park — Fridays, 10:45–11:30 a.m., presented by the Titusville Branch Library and featuring easy-to-follow line dances led ...

Samantha Gaston, instructor of North Birmingham Regional Library's Slide City Chair Aerobics. Meet Samantha Gaston, Instructor of North Birmingham Regional Library's Popular Slide City Chair Aerobics Class Birmingham, Ala. - Walk into North Birmingham Regional Library at 9:30 a.m. on a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, and you may be surprised by what you see…and hear. Instead of the quiet atmosphere most expect in libraries, you'll find upbeat music filling the room as dozens of participants clap, stretch, laugh and exercise together. Welcome to Slide City Chair Aerobics. What began in February 2024 with just five participants has grown into one of Birmingham Public Library's most successful health and wellness programs, regularly attracting more than 50 people ranging in age from teenagers to adults in their 90s. The driving force behind that success is Samantha Gaston, Circulation Librarian at North Birmingham Branch. Inspired by a passion for health, wellness ...

  Local Authors Expo Speaker YOGI DADA during a book signing at the Birmingham Public Library. FEATURED SPEAKER: YOGI DADA Yogi DADA is a Birmingham-based multidisciplinary artist, filmmaker, and author known for her work in visual art, performance, and storytelling. She was named the 2026 Railroad Park Artist of the Year and recently released her book “Djembe Chronicles: Humans, Animals & Angels,” a collection of 22 short stories inspired by her experiences performing and creating in Birmingham parks. Her work has appeared in exhibitions, film festivals, and community arts projects across Alabama, including the award-winning film “GRAFFICA.” 2026 Local Authors’ Expo Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Birmingham Public Library’s Central Location 2100 Park Place Birmingham, AL 35203 The 2026BPL Local Authors Expo features 50 selected Alabama authors across fiction, nonfiction and youth categories. The event is free and open to the public, offering book sales, sign...