Birmingham Public Library Blog

Leanna Leithauser Lesley -  Black and Tan Fantasy   On Friday, July 10, a dazzling exhibition of 12 dresses by 12 Alabama artists will open at the Central Library. Embodied: Contemporary Takes on the Dress is the result of a collective desire to create dresses for the purpose of telling personal stories.  Featured artists include Amanda Banks, Merrilee Challiss, Kimberly Hart, Alvina Zendejas Montes Hill, Tara Stallworth Lee, Leanna Leithauser Lesley, Robin Nance Metz, Savvy Pendragon, Michelle Reynolds, Chiharu Roach, Lillis Taylor, and Cynthia Wagner. An opening reception will take place on Friday, July 17, at 3:30 p.m. in the Fourth Floor Gallery.   Made in distinct styles with a variety of unique, sometimes unconventional, materials, the showcased dresses are visual narratives prompted by experiences, observations, and stances towards topics such as culture, the environment, and society. Alvina Zendajas Montes Hill -  Vestido Alvina Embodied: Contem...

Pratt City Branch Library hosts free Tai Chai classes. Healthy Living and Ensley's Jazz History Take Center Stage at Pratt City Library Birmingham, Ala. - As Birmingham Public Library's 2026 Summer Reading Program enters its final weeks, Pratt City Branch Library is already looking ahead with new opportunities that encourage healthy living, lifelong learning and community conversation. This July, families can still enjoy the final Summer Reading activities, including a magical journey through fossils and artifacts with Mr. Larry and another popular healthy cooking demonstration with Chef Polly. Then in August, the library shifts its focus to two exciting new programs designed especially for adults: a beginner-friendly Tai Chi series that promotes balance, wellness and relaxation, and a documentary discussion exploring the rich jazz heritage of neighboring Ensley through the legendary story of Tuxedo Junction. Whether patrons are discovering healthier ways to stay active ...

Children became junior paleontologists on June 30 as Powderly Branch Library's Dino Dig t ransformed a beautiful summer morning into an outdoor prehistoric adventure. Presented by Dynamic Education, the popular Dino Dig program invited children to excavate chalk "dinosaur eggs" to discover the prehistoric creatures hidden inside while learning about fossils, archaeology and paleontology. Each young explorer carefully uncovered a different dinosaur before receiving a collectible trading card featuring fascinating facts about their discovery, giving them a keepsake they could take home and continue learning from. The combination of hands-on exploration, outdoor fun and science-based learning made Dino Dig one of Powderly Branch's most popular Summer Reading programs. Missed it? Don't worry; another dinosaur adventure is just around the corner. Learn more by reading about July programs coming up at Powderly Branch. Powderly Branch Library Address: 3301 Jefferson Av...

Time for Tales with Ms. Cas at Avondale Regional Library   Dinosaurs, Storytime and Foam-Filled Fun Highlight Avondale Regional Programs in July What do dinosaurs, LEGO adventures, story time magic, theater games and billions of tiny bubbles have in common? They're all part of an exciting July lineup at Avondale Regional Library, where Summer Reading is bringing stories, science, creativity and imagination to life. As Birmingham Public Library's 2026 Summer Reading Program, "Unearth a Story," enters its final month starting July 1, Avondale Regional Library continues to offer families opportunities to explore, create and discover together. Young children can enjoy interactive story times and play experiences, aspiring scientists can dig into hands-on STEM activities, teens can unleash their creativity through theater and cooking programs, and families can celebrate summer with a foam-filled adventure that promises plenty of laughs. From beloved weekly favorites ...

Sew Right is a free sewing class offered Tuesday afternoons at East Ensley Branch Library. The program along with Line Dancing with Tracy Williams on 2nd & 4th Fridays are popular this summer. Stitch, Step and Smile: East Ensley Library Builds Skills, Confidence and Community At East Ensley Branch Library, Summer Reading is about much more than reading books. Branch Manager Kenyata Rodgers is introducing programs that help patrons discover new talents, stay active and build lasting friendships. This July, the branch continues to offer two of its most popular recurring adult programs: Sew Right, where participants learn practical sewing skills they can use for a lifetime, and Line Dancing with Tracy Williams, a high-energy class that combines exercise, music and fellowship. Whether patrons are threading a needle for the very first time or perfecting their favorite line dance steps, East Ensley is creating opportunities for lifelong learning while strengthening the sense of commu...

  Ishaan Jain, back left, a rising junior at Indian Springs School, with participants in the Digital Literacy Summer Workshop at BPL's Central Library. He designed the curriculum to help young learners better understand AI, computer coding, 3 D design and other technology shaping today's world. Free Summer Workshop at Birmingham Public Library Helps Students Explore Coding, AI and 3D Design BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — After a successful kickoff at the downtown Central Location, Birmingham Public Library's popular Digital Literacy Summer Workshop is heading to three more library branches this July, giving students another opportunity to explore coding, artificial intelligence, 3D design and the technology behind the apps, games and digital tools they use every day. Designed for students in grades 3-8, the free four-day workshop transforms participants from technology consumers into technology creators through hands-on lessons, live demonstrations and interactive projects that make...

  Ishaan Jain, 15, is instructor & creator of BPL's Digital Literacy Summer Workshop Meet Ishaan Jain, founder of “Uplyftz”, an organization helping teens become creators, not just consumers Name: Ishaan Jain Age: 15 School: Indian Springs School Grade (Fall 2026): Junior (11) Hometown: Vestavia, AL Favorite School Subject: Chemistry Favorite Book: Scythe Favorite Author & Why: NealShusterman  (the author of  Scythe ). H e explores unspoken realities and injustices of the world through my favorite genre,  sci-fi/dystopian futures. Favorite Movie: Iron Man 2 Favorite Music Genre & Artist:   Pop/ Coldplay Hobbies and Interests: Programming, Piano, Singing, Debate Future Career Aspirations: Entrepreneur/Building Artificial Intelligence and Data-Powered Tools to Improve Day-to-Day Life, Such as in Patient Care Fun Fact About Me: I can solve a Rubik’s cube in under 20 seconds! ON the Record with Ishaan Jain, BPL Digital ...

  L-R Cherie Dortch, Parliamentarian; Lynn Flowers-Martin, President; Yolanda Hardy, Vice-President. Birmingham Public Library Board of Trustees Elects New Officers for 2026 BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Birmingham Public Library Board of Trustees has elected a new slate of officers to guide the board through 2026, selecting three community leaders with extensive backgrounds in education, public service, and civic engagement. The officers were installed during the Board of Trustees meeting on June 9 at East Lake Branch Library. The newly elected officers are: President: Lynn Flowers-Martin Vice President: Yolanda Hardy Parliamentarian: Cherie D. Dortch In addition to the installation of the new officers, two newly appointed members of the Library Board of Trustees were installed: Sam South and Niaya Nelms. Lynn Flowers-Martin, President Flowers-Martin enters her sixth year on the Birmingham Public Library Board of Trustees after first being appointed in 2019. A...