Birmingham Public Library Blog

  2026 National Friends of the Library Week Spotlight on Friends of BPL Bookstore Written by Roy L. Williams, PR Specialist for Birmingham Public Library Birmingham, Ala. -As 2026 National Friends of Libraries Week draws to a close this Saturday, October 24, here is a spotlight on the Friends of the Birmingham Public Library Bookstore, located on the first floor of the Central Library downtown. Friends of BPL Bookstore is a funding source that help the Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library  support our 17 libraries all year long. The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) is joining libraries across the country in celebrating our Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library   and other volunteers and advocates across the country who help strengthen their local libraries. If you love books and believe in the importance of libraries, join the cause by making a financial donation, shopping at or volunteering at the Friends Bookstore. The Friends Bo...

Written by Roy L. Williams, Public Relations Specialist -Birmingham Public Library Classic Cocktails 2026 is officially sold out! That's great news for Birmingham Public Library...and a testament to the community's enthusiasm for an event that brings together Magic City Classic fans, HBCU supporters, library advocates and friends of BPL. But you don't have to attend Classic Cocktails to support the Birmingham Public Library.  You can help keep these opportunities available to Birmingham by supporting the Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library,  t itle sponsor of Classic Cocktails. ❤️ Your Support Helps BPL Serve Birmingham Birmingham Public Library's 17 locations provide free opportunities for people of all ages to learn, connect and grow, including: Developing early literacy skills Exploring science, technology, engineering and math through STEM programs Accessing computers, Wi-Fi and technology Participating in fitness and ...

"Building Memory" is an art exhibit is a collaboration between Auburn University’s Interior Architecture Program and the Birmingham Public Library’s Department of Archives & Manuscripts.  Written by Catherine Oseas- Department Head of Birmingham Public Library Department of Archives & Manuscripts, posted by Roy L. Williams, PR Specialist for BPL   “Building Memory,” a new art exhibit by architecture students from Auburn University, is now open in the Central Library’s 4th Floor Gallery. The exhibition debuted on Tuesday,  October 20, and will be open during library hours through December 31, 2026. The exhibit is a collaboration between Auburn University’s Interior Architecture Program and the Birmingham Public Library’s Department of Archives & Manuscripts. Every summer since the program’s inception, Auburn University’s Interior Architecture students have ventured into the BPL Archives Department to encounter the past firsthand, engaging with primary res...

Celebrate the Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library Discover What Your Libraries Have to Offer Monday-Saturday, Oct. 19-24, 2026 Written by Roy L. Williams, PR Specialist - Birmingham Public Library Birmingham, Ala. - National Friends of Libraries Week is  a time to celebrate the people who support libraries and the communities they serve. At Birmingham Public Library (BPL), we're celebrating by inviting you to come out in person and discover what's happening at our 17 libraries. During the week of Monday through Saturday, October 19-24, libraries across Birmingham will offer programs and activities for children, teens, adults and families, from crafts and dancing to STEAM, fitness, story time, games, travel and more. Whether you're looking to learn a new skill, meet your neighbors, entertain the kids or simply try something different, there's lots of fun and educational things to do at BPL. If you want to support the Friends Foundation of the B...

  Celebrate Friends Who Help Make BPL Stronger:  National Friends of Libraries Week Oct. 18-24 Written by Roy L. Williams, PR Specialist for Birmingham Public Library Birmingham, Ala. -Before public libraries can provide the books, DVDs, programs and services that transform lives across the USA, it takes the support of people who believe in the importance of libraries and give their time, energy and resources to help them thrive. That’s what the Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library   and other library foundations provide. 2026 National Friends of Libraries Week began on Sunday, October 18 and continues through Saturday, October 24. The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) is joining libraries across the country in celebrating the volunteers, supporters and advocates who help strengthen their local libraries and connect them with the communities they serve. BPL deeply appreciates the Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library for its continued...

   Discover Your Roots: BPL Celebrates Family History Month in October Written by Roy L. Williams, PR Specialist, Birmingham Public Library 2026 National Family History Month celebration continues at the Birmingham Public Library’s Southern History Department with two programs designed to help people research their family tree. Throughout October, programs will cover everything from traditional genealogy research and historic newspapers to DNA testing.  All programs are free, and advance registration is not required. For more information, call the Southern History Department at 205-226-3665. Whether your family-history research begins with a name, an old photograph, a newspaper clipping or a DNA test, the Birmingham Public Library’s Southern History Department offers resources and expertise to help you uncover the stories of those who came before you. Here is a list of Family History Month programs happening over the next two weeks: Wednesday, October 21 | 11 a.m. Central...

Written by Roy L. Williams, Public Relations Specialist - Birmingham Public Library   📅 Classic Cocktails Event Info & Tickets 🗓️ Tuesday, October 27, 2026 | 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. 📍 Central Library | 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 🎟️ Ticket and event Details: https://bplclassiccocktails26.eventbrite.com 🎟️ Click here to buy tickets now on Eventbrite 🥂 Classic Cocktails 2026:  Where Classic Week Helps Libraries Transform Birmingham 🥂 BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Magic City Classic is Birmingham’s biggest annual celebration of HBCU pride, tradition, and community. Football fans can kick off their weeklong celebration at the 5th Annual Classic Cocktails, happening Tuesday, October 27, 2026, from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Central Library in downtown Birmingham, 2100 Park Place. If you’re looking for a safe, stylish alternative to the nightclub scene, Classic Cocktails is the perfect choice, a festive evening where good vibes meet a great cause. Every ticket sold helps fund...

  By Roy L. Williams, PR Specialist Birmingham Public Library Planning to travel outside the country for Christmas, New Year’s or during 2027 Spring Break? Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Birmingham Public Library will host its 2026 Passport  Fair at the Central Library, 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203. This free event brings together two things travelers need: passport services and people who can help you plan the trip. Passport agents will be available to assist with new passport applications, renewing existing ones, and answer questions about the process. Travel agents will be on hand to help you explore vacation possibilities and begin putting together your next trip. Walk-ins are welcome. Before coming to the Passport Fair, click  here for details on documents required and payment information needed to apply for passports.  If you are planning to travel internationally during the Christmas or New Year's holiday season, now is the ti...