Birmingham Public Library Blog

🥂   Classic Cocktails at BPL: One Unforgettable Evening, Where Every Drink Has a Story 🥂 Kick off 2026 Magic City Classic Week by celebrating at the place of learning that supports communities across Birmingham: the Birmingham Public Library. The 5th Annual Classic Cocktails is happening Tuesday, October 27, 2026, from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Birmingham Public Library downtown (2100 Park Place). This isn’t just another party; it’s a high-energy celebration in a space that already serves as a safe hub for our city year-round.  As fans of Alabama's two largest HBCU institutions gather to get ready for the Saturday's largest Black college football classic in the nation, BPL is transforming for one night only into a stunning, nightclub-inspired venue lit in maroon and white (Alabama A&M) and black and gold (Alabama State). It’s where you’ll see friends, make new connections, and set the tone for the rest of Classic Week. More than just a party, Classic Cocktails suppo...

  Discover Your Roots: BPL Celebrates Family History Month in October October is National Family History Month, and the Birmingham Public Library’s Southern History Department is celebrating with a full calendar of free programs designed to help you explore your family’s story. Whether you’re taking your first steps into genealogy or you’re a seasoned researcher looking for new tools and resources, BPL has something for you. Throughout October, programs will cover everything from traditional genealogy research and historic newspapers to DNA testing, cookbooks, WorldCat and the search for family members separated by slavery. All programs are free, and advance registration is not required. For more information, call the Southern History Department at 205-226-3665. Activities begin Saturday, October 3, with a Family History Month Open House where visitors can meet experts from the Birmingham Genealogical Society and members of the Southern History Department staff. The month a...

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 & Travel Agent Fair When: Saturday, October 24, 2026|10 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Birmingham Public Library-1st Floor 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, s...

  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 ...