Birmingham Public Library Blog

  By Roy L. Williams, Public Relations Specialist, Birmingham Public Library One of the Birmingham Public Library's own is about to achieve one of the highest academic honors possible. Dr. Reba Patton Branch Manager of the Titusville Branch Library, has earned the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Communication and Information Sciences from The University of Alabama. She will be formally conferred her degree during the University’s commencement exercises on Saturday, August 1, at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa. The completion of this distinguished academic achievement represents years of sustained scholarship, personal sacrifice, perseverance, and faith. Throughout her doctoral studies, Dr. Williams-Patton successfully balanced the extensive demands of advanced research with her professional responsibilities as a full-time manager and adjunct professor, as well as her commitments as a wife and mother. Demonstrating exceptional academic distinction, she completed the rigorous d...

  What: How to Make It Back Home: An Introduction to Self-Defense When: Tuesday, August 4, 2026 @3 – 4 p.m. Where:   Springville Road Regional Branch Library 1224 Springville Road, Birmingham, AL 35215 Details: In this free workshop, instructor Zyon Thomas will teach participants how to be aware of their surroundings and basic self-defense techniques if attacked by someone. For more info, call (205) 226-4083 or drop by Springville Road Regional Library during library hours. Springville Road Regional Library to Host Free Self-Defense Workshop on August 4 BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Knowing how to recognize danger and respond in an emergency can make all the difference. The Birmingham Public Library is inviting the public to attend a free self-defense workshop designed to help participants improve their personal safety and confidence. "How to Make It Back Home: An Introduction to Self-Defense" will take place on Tuesday, August 4, from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Springville Road...

  Meet Jaynea "Coach Tru" Milhouse, Instructor of Chair Yoga at  The Central Library  Birmingham, Ala. - When most people think of yoga, they picture stretching and flexibility. But for Jaynea "Coach Tru" Milhouse, Chair Yoga is about something much deeper. It's about slowing down, reconnecting with yourself and discovering that healing begins with something as simple as taking a breath. Coach Tru's own journey wasn't a straight path. She once planned to become a lawyer before life's unexpected challenges led her toward a career in mental health, mindfulness and yoga. Today, she combines her experience as a licensed mental health therapist, certified Hatha yoga instructor, certified Vipassana meditation teacher and life coach to help others improve their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. As the downtown Birmingham Public Library launches its free five-week Chair Yoga series this Thursday, July 30, , I had a deep conversation with...

Get Fit at BPL: Our Next Step Is Chair Yoga By Roy L. Williams, Public Relations Specialist, Birmingham Public Library For nearly 11 years, I've had one of the best jobs in Birmingham: taking photographs at dozens of Birmingham Public Library events, interviewing participants and telling stories about the employees who help our libraries transform lives across the city. Over the next few weeks, however, I'm becoming a participant in a new class helping patrons get in shape and relax at the same time. I'll still bring my camera to take photos at the kickoff of the Chair Yoga with Coach Tru series at the downtown Birmingham Public Library at 1:00 p.m. this Thursday, July 30. But beginning the following week, I'll put the camera down, pull up a chair and become one of the students. At 61, I've never taken a yoga class. To be honest, I don't know what to expect. Can someone with tight muscles, sore knees and absolutely no yoga experience discover somethin...

Tracey Williams popular line dance class at Titusville Branch's "Books on the Ground" in February.    Written by Roy L. Williams, Public Relations Specialist - Birmingham Public Library    NBC's Spotlight on Line Dancing Trend? Birmingham Public Library Has Been Line Dancing For Years This morning (July 27),  NBC's TODAY show correspondent Priscilla Thompson reported about the remarkable comeback of line dancing. 🎥 Watch NBC's TODAY story: "Why Line Dancing Has More People Kicking Up Their Heels." Click here: Why Line Dancing Has More People Kicking Up Their Heels Once wildly popular in the 1990s, line dancing is making a huge comeback thanks in large part to Generation Z. According to NBC, young adults are discovering what many longtime dancers have known for years—line dancing is a fun way to exercise, relieve stress, meet new people and simply have a good time. As I watched the segment, I couldn't help but smile. Why? Because at t...

Popular response to recent chair yoga class inspires newest fitness classes downtown BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Following an enthusiastic response to last week's inaugural Chair Yoga with Coach Tru class, the downtown Birmingham Public Library is expanding its wellness programming with a free five-week Chair Yoga series on Thursdays beginning July 30 at the Birmingham Public Library, 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203. The weekly classes will be held Thursdays at 1 p.m. from July 30 through Aug. 27 and will be led by Birmingham wellness professional Jaynea "Coach Tru" Milhouse, a certified Hatha yoga instructor, mental health therapist, certified Vipassana meditation teacher and life coach. The class will take place on the 2nd floor in the Create205 Lab. Designed for beginners, older adults and anyone seeking a low-impact form of exercise, Chair Yoga combines gentle stretching, breathing techniques, mindfulness and relaxation to improve both physical and mental well-being. Pa...

Deborah Sanders & BPL's Connor Marullo on ABC 33/40 Talk of Alabama set with Katherine Page   Click below to Watch Deborah Sanders & Connor Marullo discuss the 2026 Local Authors' Expo on ABC 33/40's Talk of Alabama : https://abc3340.com/station/talk-of-alabama/birmingham-librarys-author-expo-talk-of-alabama-7222026 By Roy L. Williams,  Public Relations Specialist, Birmingham Public Library Sometimes, while promoting an event, you discover a story you never expected. That happened Wednesday morning as in my PR job I watched Birmingham Public Library Archives Assistant Connor Marullo and local author Deborah Sanders appear on ABC 33/40's Talk of Alabama with host Katherine Page to promote our upcoming 2026 Local Authors' Expo. I'll admit something. As a former newspaper reporter for 25 years, there were moments watching the interview when I wished I were sitting in Katherine Page's chair asking the questions. Why? Because Deborah Sanders s...

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...