Birmingham Public Library Blog

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...

Kathy Nelson, Large Longleaf Pine Needle Vase with Blue Waxed Thread Starting on Friday, June 12, the skill and innovation of artist Kathy Nelson will be on display at the Birmingham Public Library. Among the Pines is an exhibition of baskets that Nelson created from longleaf pine needles. It is the latest exhibition in the Sculpture Gallery at the Central Library.  Nelson has been a basket-maker since 2012. Nelson says that “growing up among the pines instilled in me my love of pines, the fragrance and colors.”  Nelson collects needles from longleaf pine trees growing on her property in Shelby County. She then sorts, dries, soaks, and finally coils the needles into baskets, using artificial sinew to hold the needles together.  Kathy Nelson, Gourd Container with Longleaf Pine Needle Rim and Closure Kathy Nelson, Longleaf Pine Needle Bowl with Waxed Thread Pine needle basketry is one of the oldest crafts known, pre-dating even the creation of pottery. It is a tedious, tim...

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 ...

  Beware of the devil down in the Mississippi Delta.   This movie review is written by William Anthony of BPL's Citizens Services Department. Check out the trailer to Sinners by clicking here .    Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan are a director-and-lead-actor duo that is not going away anytime soon. Their collaboration has grown stronger over the years, and Sinners fulfills this determined calling to make more movies together. They did a decent job navigating a variety of relevant, universal themes in Fruitvale Station , Creed , and Black Panther while still figuring out their groove as a dynamic team with similar goals.  These Oscar winners knock it out of the ballpark with Sinners . Each scene gradually unveils the evil that lurks near a group of people who just want to have a good time and enjoy loud, raucous music. I look forward to what else they will hopefully tackle down the road. This is now a professional relationship that brings to my mind other...

  BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) is inviting local writers to apply for participation in the 2026 Local Authors’ Expo, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Central Library, 2100 Park Place in downtown Birmingham. The annual event celebrates Birmingham’s literary community by providing local authors an opportunity to showcase their books, connect with readers and network with fellow writers. BPL is accepting applications from local authors in the following categories: • Adult Fiction — 20 available spaces • Youth Authors — 20 available spaces • Adult Nonfiction — 10 available spaces Selected authors will participate in the community-wide event highlighting local literature, storytelling and creativity. A $50 participation fee will apply upon acceptance. The deadline to apply is June 18, 2026. Applications are available online through the 2026 Local Authors’ Expo Application on the BPL website ( Local Authors Expo A...

  What: BPL Southern History Department Talk — "The Booker T. Washington Effect: Audrey's Story" Who: Bettina Byrd-Giles When: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 | 5:30–7 p.m. Where: Birmingham Public Library, Grand Commons (First Floor), 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203 Admission: Free and open to the public More information: https://bplolinenews.blogspot.com/2026/06/birmingham-public-library-hosts.html Q&A With Bettina Byrd-Giles About "The Booker T. Washington Effect: Audrey's Story" BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — For nearly two decades, Bettina Byrd-Giles ( Bettina Byrd-Giles | LinkedIn ) has built a career around preserving stories, championing cultural arts and helping communities connect with their history. Through her work at major research universities and cultural institutions, she has become a respected voice in communications, historical preservation and storytelling. Now, Byrd-Giles is turning her attention to a story much closer to home. On Tu...

  Event Details What: Virtual Author Talk with Matt Dinniman Watch Party When: Thursday, June 11 | 5:30–7:30 p.m. Where: Springville Road Regional Branch Library, 1224 Springville Rd., Birmingham, AL 35215  To attend the event at Springville Road Regional Branch Library, register through Eventbrite at https://dccbpl.eventbrite.com . Can't make it to the library? You can still participate online by registering for the virtual event by clicking here https://dccbplvirtual.eventbrite.com . Birmingham, Ala. -   Hold onto your heart-patterned boxers! New York Times bestselling author Matt Dinniman, creator of the wildly popular Dungeon Crawler Carl series, is coming to Birmingham Public Library virtually on Thursday, June 11, and local fans have a chance to experience the event together. Join fellow Dungeon Crawler Carl enthusiasts at the Springville Road Regional Branch Library for an epic watch party featuring Dinniman's virtual author talk. Fans are encour...

PROGRAM AT A GLANCE What: BPL Southern History Department Talk — "The Booker T. Washington Effect: Audrey's Story" Presenter: Bettina Byrd-Giles When : Tuesday, June 9, 2026 | 5:30–7 p.m. Where : Birmingham Public Library, Grand Commons (1st Floor), 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203 Background: Presented by Bettina Byrd-Giles, "The Booker T. Washington Effect: Audrey's Story" explores the extraordinary life of Audrey Bacon Byrd, a trailblazing educator whose journey connected the legacy of emancipation, the Jim Crow era and the modern civil rights movement. Born into the legacy of formerly enslaved individuals, Audrey's story spans her childhood in San Antonio, Texas, her transformative years at the historically Black Tuskegee Institute, and her career as an educator whose influence extended across generations. Admission: Free and open to the public. Information: Contact the Birmingham Public Library's Southern History Department at 205-226-366...