Birmingham Public Library Blog

Connecting Families is a service provided by selected libraries across Alabama to enable military service families to make free video “telephone” calls to their loved ones who are overseas. Using computers with attached webcams, these families will be able to see each other, some for the first time in months. This service is available at five Birmingham Public Library locations: Central in the Arts, Music, and Sports Department , and at the four regional libraries-- Five Points West , Avondale , North Birmingham , and Springville Road . Using webcams and Skype , military service families can contact a member of the military either overseas or in the U.S. that are registered with Skype. Skype registration is free. Click here to learn more.

Titusville Library Branch Manager Reba Williams-Patton with D r. Russell Johnson, DVM, Chief Veterinary Officer, Greater Birmingham Humane Society , Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway and a patron holding his dog at Community Resource Care and Paw Day  What an Amazing Day of Community Connection, Care, and Education! On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the Titusville Branch Library’s monthly Titusville Community Resource Day expanded beyond serving people to helping patrons care for their four-legged friends. This month’s focus on Pet Care & Wellness brought together families, students, and community stakeholders for a day filled with education, support, and essential services. The event marked the library’s first-ever Community Care Day, a special extension of its monthly resource initiative dedicated to promoting literacy and raising awareness of animal car e resources throughout the Titusville community. Since its launch, the Titusville Community Resource Day Program has...

What:  Author Libby Copeland Presents Home DNA Testing is Redefining Family History When: Wednesday, October 7, 10:00-11:00 a.m. Where: Birmingham Public Library Facebook page- www.Facebook.com/BirminghamPublicLibrary   About the book The Lost Family: Home DNA Testing is Redefining Family History  – The book explores the rapidly evolving phenomenon of home DNA testing, its implications for how we think about family and ourselves, and its ramifications for American culture broadly.  Click below to buy the book https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Family-How-Testing-Upending/dp/1419743007  Birmingham, Ala. - Over the past seven years, the number of people across the globe who have researched their family history through home DNA testing has soared from 1 million in 2013 to 35 million, according to an author who is kicking off the Birmingham Public Library’s Family History Month celebration.  That was one of the revelations from journalist/author Libby Copel...

  The Birmingham Public Library 's Southern History Department is hosting 10 programs throughout the month of October in celebration of Family History Month 2023. Celebrated every October, Family History Month is a great time to learn more about genealogy, your family history, and take advantage of library resources such as BPL's Southern History Department.  Check out a listing of BPL's Family History programs that kick off next week below (Note: All are either at the Central Library, 2100 Park Place in downtown Birmingham, or online via Zoom): Behind the Scenes Tour of the Southern History Department, Tuesday, October 3, 12:00 p.m., Southern History Department, 1st Floor Join the staff of the Southern History Department for a look behind the scenes! Learn about the history of the Research Library, its collection of genealogy materials, maps, and microfilm. See treasures such as Miss Iwate , the Blaeu Atlas, the 1926 Zone map , and much more. Our map conservationist and l...

  Stay Active, Get Creative & Build New Skills at North Birmingham Regional Library This Summer BIRMINGHAM, Ala.  — Looking for a place where you can improve your health, learn new technology skills, enjoy weekly crafts, challenge your creativity and keep children engaged all summer long? North Birmingham Regional Branch Library offers all of that and more as part of the Birmingham Public Library's free 2026 Summer Reading Program, "Unearth a Story." This summer, North Birmingham Regional combines fitness, lifelong learning, technology assistance, arts and crafts, children's activities and local history into a schedule designed to keep every generation active and engaged. Whether you're looking for a low-impact workout, one-on-one help with your smartphone, creative workshops or family-friendly adventures, there's something happening nearly every week. Check out this week's spotlight on North Birmingham Regional. North Birmingham Regional Branc...

  2023 Family History Month programs continue through the end of October at  The Birmingham Public Library 's Southern History Department. Celebrated every October, Family History Month is a great time to learn more about genealogy, your family history, and take advantage of library resources such as BPL's  Southern History Department.  Check out a listing of BPL's Family History programs below (Note: All are either at the Central Library, 2100 Park Place in downtown Birmingham, or online via Zoom): Privacy Concerns in DNA Testing for Ancestry, Wednesday, October 11, 12:00 p.m., BPL Computer Center, 4th Floor, and online via Zoom DNA testing for ancestry can break down genealogical brick walls, so why are some family history enthusiasts reluctant to use this powerful tool?  BPL Map Conservator Paul Boncella c onsiders their concerns, examines the Big Four DNA test companies’ privacy policies, and reveals the actual risks that test takers face. He then answers qu...

This summer, the Birmingham Public Library is inviting readers of all ages to dig deeper into stories, creativity and discovery through its 2026 Summer Reading Program. With more than 200 free programs taking place at library locations across the city  throughout June and July, there are countless opportunities to learn, explore and connect with others in the community. Each branch offers its own unique mix of activities, and Wylam Branch Library is no exception. From movie mornings and magic shows to theater workshops, book discussions, live music experiences and hands-on art adventures, Wylam's Summer Reading lineup encourages participants to explore new ideas while having fun along the way. Today's spotlight shines on Wylam Branch Library and the exciting programs planned for children, teens, adults and families throughout the summer. Wylam Branch Library Address: 4300 Seventh Ave., Wylam, Birmingham, AL 35224 Phone: (205) 785-0349 Dig into Popcorn and a Movie ...

Hundreds of Free Summer Reading Programs & Activities for Patrons of All Ages Underway  at BPL BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Summer Reading 2026 is officially underway at the Birmingham Public Library (BPL), bringing hundreds of free programs, workshops, performances and activities to library locations across the city throughout June and July. This year's theme, "Unearth a Story," invites participants of all ages to discover new ideas, learn new skills and explore the world around them. While reading remains at the heart of the program, Summer Reading also features live animals, science demonstrations, magic shows, theater workshops, fitness classes, arts and crafts, technology programs, author talks and cultural experiences. Families can register for Summer Reading at any BPL location and enjoy a summer filled with creativity, learning and fun. All Summer Reading programs are free and open to the public. Also on Monday, June 8, the Central Library kicked off a Summer Re...