Birmingham Public Library Blog

Bards & Brews: Open Mic Night When: Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 Doors: 6 p.m.; event begins at 6:30 p.m. Where: Lucky Stranger, 4036 5th Ave. S., Birmingham Featured Musical Artist: Olivia Leonard Host: Thed Weller Must be 18+ to enter | 21+ to drink. Bards & Brews is supported by the Alabama State Council on the Arts Ready to Share Spoken Word Poetry Before a Live Audience? The Birmingham Public Library’s Bards & Brews: Open Mic Night is going on the road this Friday, Oct. 2, for an evening of poetry, music and creative expression at Lucky Stranger in Avondale. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the event beginning at 6:30 p.m. Featured artist Olivia Leonard will kick off the evening, followed by performances from some of metro Birmingham’s talented spoken-word artists. If you’ve been waiting for your chance to get behind the microphone, this is your opportunity to  show off your skills before a live audience. Bards & Brews is supported by a grant from the Alabama State Coun...

    What: Passport and Travel Agent Fair When: Saturday, October 24, 2026| 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Where: Birmingham Public Library,  2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203 About the event: BPL's  Passport & Travel Agent Fair is a great opportunity for travel agents to meet potential clients who are thinking about their next vacation, international adventure or other travel experience. Patrons will be able to get information on how to get passports at the Birmingham Public Library.  Birmingham, Ala. - The Birmingham Public Library is inviting travel professionals to participate in its Passport & Travel Agent Fair, where local residents can connect with travel experts while getting ready for their next trip. The Passport & Travel Agent Fair is a great opportunity for travel agents to meet potential clients who are thinking about their next vacation.  Participating travel agents will have an opportunity to introduce their services, answer questions, sh...

  What: Ready Saturdays and Expect More,   a free, play-based learning program for parents, caregivers and their   families When: Every Saturday in October and November, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Where: Birmingham Public Library, 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203 Cost: Free Registration required for Expect More by October 1; Drop-ins are welcome at Ready Saturdays. Participating parents and caregivers can scan the BPL flyers above for more details. For more information about Small Magic, visit www.smallmagic.org . Small Magic to Kick Off Ready Saturdays and Expect More at Birmingham Public Library on October 3 Free Saturday Program Gives Families a Place to Play, Learn and Grow Together The Birmingham Public Library is excited to host Birmingham-based Small Magic’s Ready Saturdays and Expect More, two free play-based early learning programs. Beginning on October 3, families are invited to spend Saturday mornings playing, learning and growing together through...

  What: Titusville Branch Library Grand Reopening When: Tuesday, September 29, 2026    @ 3 p.m. Where: Titusville Branch Library #2 6th Avenue SW Birmingham, AL 35211 Titusville Branch Library Reopens Following Renovation and Renewal The Birmingham Public Library’s Titusville Branch has reopened its doors following a short renovation that brought new flooring, updated furnishings and other improvements to the neighborhood library. The Titusville branch, located at 2 6th Avenue SW, closed this summer and reopened to the public on Monday, September 21. The community will celebrate the library branch’s reopening during a Grand Reopening Celebration at 3 p.m. Tuesday, September 29. The celebration will include opening remarks, recognition of special guests, reflections on the history and the significance of the Titusville Branch Library. The reopening celebration will also feature acknowledgments of community partners and supporters, refreshments and an opportunit...

Carl Smith – Lips | 2023 | Mimosa | 27” x 17” x 12”                                                                           The Birmingham Public Library is proud to feature the works of artist Carl Smith in an upcoming exhibition titled Nature Speaks. Scheduled to open at the Central Library on Friday, September 25, the show features unique statues, pedestals, and wall pieces that Smith deftly fashions from the found remains of trees and vines. Please join Smith at a reception celebrating his new exhibition at 4:00 p.m. in Sculpture Gallery. (Afterwards, enjoy BPL’s annual blues concert .) The self-taught Smith has been working with wood for over 40 years. He began collecting driftwood while working for the Birmingham Water Works at the Cahaba Pumping Station, where...

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Sept. 17, 2026 – Birmingham Public Library cardholders now have free access to Pure Flix, a faith and family streaming service offering movies and television series for viewers of all ages. Through a partnership with Library Ideas, LLC, Birmingham Pu blic Library is providing residents with unlimited, ad-free streaming of Pure Flix content at no cost with a valid library card and PIN.   Pure Flix features a wide selection of family-friendly movies and series, including original productions such as Ainsley McGregor Mysteries , Jep and Jess: Beyond the Bayou , When Hope Calls: Brookfield , County Rescue and Crossroad Springs . The collection also includes romances, dramas and inspirational stories featuring actors such as Candace Cameron Bure, Danica McKellar, Jen Lilley and Trevor Donovan.   Birmingham Public Library is always looking for new ways to expand the digital resources available to our community. Pure Flix gives Birmingham residents another ...

  Network Navigator: Your Connection to Local Small Business Resources First Session: Tuesday, September 15, 2026 Time: 12–1:30 p.m. Location: Birmingham Public Library, Woodlawn Branch Audience: Adults and Seniors Cost: Free Registration: Required/encouraged Presenter: Naila Jackson, Birmingham entrepreneurial advocate Contact: Jim Murray | 205-226-3640 | jim.murray@cobpl.org Lunch will be provided to the first 25 registered participants. Registration: Click here to register Three Opportunities to Navigate Your Business Resources The Network Navigator series will be presented at three Birmingham Public Library locations this fall: Woodlawn Branch Library Tuesday, September 15, 2026 12–1:30 p.m. Five Points West Branch Library Tuesday, October 13, 2026 5:30–7 p.m. North Birmingham Branch Library Tuesday, November 17, 2026 12–1:30 p.m. Need Help Growing Your Small Business? BPL’s Network Navigator Can Connect You to Local Resources By Roy Wi...

What happens when you mix the sounds of the blues with good barbecue in one of Birmingham's best places to gather? You get an evening of Books, Blues & BBQ at the downtown Birmingham Public Library (BPL). BPL's 2026 Loud at the Library series concludes on Friday, September 25, with a free concert featuring Rachel Edwards with John Holaway at the Central Library, 2100 Park Place. From soulful blues and great music to barbecue and the welcoming atmosphere of the library, this is a Friday evening designed for music lovers, families, friends, and anyone looking for something fun to do. Books, Blues & BBQ 📅 When: Friday, September 25, 2026 | 5:30–7:30 p.m. 📍 Where: Birmingham Public Library, 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203 🎶 Who: Rachel Edwards with John Holaway 💵 Admission: Free and open to the public Blues and barbecue are a perfect pairing. Add books and a library setting, and you have a recipe for a memorable Birmingham evening. Meet Rachel Edwards Rachel B...