Birmingham Public Library Blog

    Amsterdam's famous canals are among vacation destinations highlighted in this spring travel blog written by William Anthony, passport acceptance agent for BPL's Central Library Citizens Services Desk.     The flowers may be blooming, and the sun may be setting later. Those are important reminders that spring break is around the corner. Go ahead and plan a relaxing but exciting trip before the summertime heat kicks in.   As always, make sure that you have your obligatory, quintessential passport!   Apply for or renew your passport today at the  Birmingham Public Library (BPL)  to avoid packing any last-minute stress on your vacation.   BPL is a Passport Acceptance Facility and has many passport acceptance agents who can help you navigate the application process.   You can start your passport application process at the  Central Library  or the  Avondale Regional Branch...

100 Years Strong: North Birmingham Regional Library Celebrates Centennial What:  North Birmingham Regional Library 100th Anniversary Celebration When:  Tuesday, April 21, 2026 | 12 p.m. Where:  North Birmingham Regional Branch Library 2501 31st Ave. N Birmingham, AL 35207 BIRMINGHAM, Ala. —  The North Birmingham Regional Branch Library will mark a century of service to the community with a free, family-friendly 100th Anniversary Celebration on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Residents, families, community leaders, and members of the media are invited to attend this milestone event honoring 100 years of providing access to literacy, lifelong learning and free programs/services for residents of the North Birmingham area.  The celebration will feature live music, food, and fun activities. A highlight of the event will be the unveiling of a new 3D printer, offering young patrons hands-on access to cutting-edge technology and creative learning opportun...

🌎 Earth Day Concert Featuring Shaheed & DJ Supreme When: Tuesday, April 21 | 5 – 6 p.m. Where: Springville Road Regional Library, 1224 Springville Road, Birmingham, AL 35215 About the Event: Celebrate Earth Day at this free, family-friendly concert that blends music, literacy, and environmental awareness. Featuring Shaheed & DJ Supreme, this event highlights the importance of recycling, protecting local waterways, and building a cleaner, greener Birmingham through community action. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Birmingham Public Library (BPL) is inviting the community to celebrate Earth Day 2026 at a free concert happening April 21 at the Springville Road Regional Library. BPL’s Springville Road Regional Library, Birmingham City Council District 1 (Clinton Woods), and Black Warrior Riverkeeper are collaborating to present a free Earth Day concert focused on conservation, recycling, and protecting Birmingham’s natural resources. The event will feature Birmingham’s own dynamic hip-...

  What: BPL Loud at the Library Presents International Jazz Day Concert Who: Tully Kay, Saxophonist When: Thursday, April 30, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Where: Henley Park, 716 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham AL 35203 Cost: Free and open to the public Weather Plan: Moves indoors to BPL East Building (1st floor stage) What to Bring: Lawn chair or blanket BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) invites the community to celebrate International Jazz Day with a free outdoor concert as part of its popular Loud at the Library series. The concert will feature Birmingham-based saxophonist Tully Kay on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Henley Park, 716 Richard Arrington Blvd., located across from BPL’s downtown Central Location between the BPL Research Library and Jefferson County Courthouse. Guests are encouraged to bring a chair, relax, and enjoy an afternoon of smooth jazz in the heart of downtown Birmingham. In the event of i...

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Birmingham Public Library (BPL) has announced the sponsors for its 5th annual A Novel Tasting , a signature fundraising event set for April 10 that supports library programs serving residents of all ages across Birmingham. Leading the 2026 sponsorship roster is presenting sponsor The Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library . Pulitzer-level sponsors are NaphCare, William Blackstock, and CEAF (Cultural and Educational Advancement Foundation Inc.) Additional sponsors are Shannon Waltchack, Epice, Magic City Media, Susan Markem and Samuel Rumore. BPL officials expressed appreciation for the sponsors’ investment in literacy, lifelong learning and cultural enrichment at BPL, noting that their support plays a vital role in expanding access to library resources and services across all BPL locations. A Novel Tasting will take place Friday, April 10, 2026, at BPL’s Central Location, 2100 Park Place downtown. The event runs from 6 to 8:30 p.m., with a VIP re...

Bards & Brews Open Mic Date: Thursday, April 2, 2026 Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6 p.m.) Featured Poet: Thed Weller Host: Jahman Hill Location: The Greenhouse, 602 19th St., Ensley, Birmingham, AL 35218 About Bards & Brews: Bards & Brews is the Birmingham Public Library’s monthly spoken word poetry and craft beer event. The series is sponsored in part by a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts, awarded to the Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Bards & Brews, the Birmingham Public Library’s popular monthly spoken word poetry and craft beer event, returns for a special Open Mic Night on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at The Greenhouse, 602 19th Street in Ensley. The Greenhouse serves as headquarters for Flourish Alabama, a poetry nonprofit co-founded by Bards & Brews veteran Jahman Hill and fellow poet Eric Marable. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the poetry begins at 6:30 p.m. Hill will serve as guest ...

    Spring Break Week Programs & Activities:  March 23–27, 2026 The Birmingham Public Library is hosting exciting free events every day during Spring Break Week. From movie matinees and teen game zones to knitting, poetry, cooking, fitness, and small business workshops, BPL has programs for the entire family, from young kids and teens to adults and seniors. Explore more programs anytime by clicking on our calendar at  www.cobpl.org/calendar Plan Your Spring Break at BPL With dozens of free library events happening across Birmingham, there’s something fun waiting for you every day of Spring Break. 🌸  Monday, March 23 📍  Inglenook Branch Library 🥣  Series & Cereal, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Kids enjoy movies and cereal snacks in a safe Spring Break space. 📍  Springville Road Regional Library ☕  Coffee, Conversations & Community, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Decorate papier-mâché eggs while enjoying conversation. 📍  North Avondale Branch Library 📚 ...

Event Details   What:  “Profitable Pro Business Growth” Workshop Series  When:  Debuts Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Every 4th Tuesday, March through October, 5:30 – 7 p.m.  Where:  Birmingham Public Library’s Central Location, 2100 Park Place (in-person)  Cost:  Free and open to the public  Free Monthly Business Growth Workshop Series Launches March 24 at Birmingham Public Library   BIRMINGHAM, Ala.  - Birmingham area entrepreneurs and those desiring to start a business will have a new opportunity to strengthen and grow their companies with a free, in-person workshop series launching March 24 at the Birmingham Public Library’s Central Location, 2100 Park Place downtown.  Beginning this month and continuing every fourth Tuesday through October, business coach Gilberto Herrera will present "Profitable Pro Business Growth," a live small busin...