Birmingham Public Library Blog

  This Friday is Juneteenth, the United States' oldest known celebration of the end of slavery. Although celebrated by African Americans for generations, it was in 2021 when then President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law, granting every federal employee a day off annually on June 19 to commemorate the day Black slaves learned they had been freed.  The Birmingham Public Library will join City of Birmingham employees in having the holiday off this Friday, June 19. Some BPL locations are hosting programs this week celebrating Juneteenth. From 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, patrons at West End Branch will make Juneteenth bracelets using beads. On Thursday, June 18, starting at 10 a.m., Inglenook Branch Library is hosting a Juneteenth program in which patrons can also make Juneteenth bracelets. Come early a supplies are limited.    What is Juneteenth? Juneteenth stands for June 19, 1865, the day enslaved people in Galveston,...

  The first 50 attendees will receive commemorative gift bags featuring a 250th-birthday USA commemorative coin like this one above, pocket Constitution, and America 250 bookmark. Complimentary 20 ounce sweet tea from Milo's Tea Co. and refreshments provided by the Birmingham Genealogical Society. What: "From Tea to Treason: How Ordinary Colonists Were Drawn into Extraordinary Rebellion" When: Saturday, June 27, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Where:   Birmingham Public Library’s   Central Location, 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203 Presenter: Birmingham historian Terri Hicks Admission: Free and open to the public Presented By: Birmingham Public Library's Southern History Department Partners: Birmingham Genealogical Society and America250AL Special Giveaway: The first 50 attendees will receive commemorative gift bags featuring a 250th-anniversary United States commemorative coin, pocket Constitution, and America 250 bookmark. Complimentary sweet t...

  From Line Dancing to Sewing, Summer Fun Awaits at East Ensley   BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — This summer, East Ensley Branch Library is inviting families, children, teens, adults and seniors to discover new interests, learn practical skills and connect with neighbors through an exciting lineup of free Summer Reading programs. As part of Birmingham Public Library's 2026 Summer Reading Program, "Unearth a Story," East Ensley offers a diverse mix of activities that celebrate creativity, lifelong learning, local history, wellness and self-expression. Whether you're interested in sewing, genealogy, arts and crafts, science, exercise or community fellowship, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Today's spotlight shines on East Ensley Branch Library and its many opportunities to learn, create and connect. East Ensley Branch Library Address: 900 14th Street Ensley, Birmingham, AL 35218 Phone: (205) 787-1928 Explore Science, Nature and Discovery Chomp Chom...

  BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — As the Inglenook Branch Library prepares to celebrate its 47th birthday on July 17, Branch Manager Tonya Clarke is inviting residents to participate in a program that is helping grow more than vegetables. One of the branch's signature initiatives, Grow with Inglenook, brings community members together through gardening, education, and hands-on learning experiences while addressing an issue that affects many urban neighborhoods across the country: access to fresh, healthy food. For many residents, grocery stores and affordable fresh produce can be difficult to reach. Grow With Inglenook encourages participants to explore practical ways to grow food at home, learn sustainable gardening practices, and discover how local gardening efforts can contribute to healthier communities. The program also serves as a gathering place where neighbors can share knowledge, build relationships, and strengthen community connections. "Grow With Inglenook reflects the ...

  2026 BPL Summer Reading Spotlight: Discover Adventure, Creativity and Community at Springville Road Regional Library Birmingham, Ala. -  This summer, Springville Road Regional Branch Library is transforming learning into an adventure through a wide variety of free programs designed to help patrons "Unearth a Story" while sparking their curiosity this summer. As part of Birmingham Public Library's 2026 Summer Reading Program, Springville Road Regional Library is offering engaging activities for all ages including creating candles, learning crochet, attending author events and enjoying live theater. From meeting a traveling goat and learning about farm life to family-friendly fun with McWane Science Center, there is something for everyone to discover this summer. Springville Road Regional Branch Library Address:  1224 Springville Road, Birmingham, AL 35215 Phone:  (205) 226-4081 Springville Road Library Summer Reading Programs at a Glance Suni-Bear ...

  Dinosaurs, Theatre and Hands-On Discovery Highlight Summer Reading at Powderly Branch Library Birmingham, Ala. - Whether you're fascinated by dinosaurs, curious about science, or love bringing stories to life through theater, Powderly Branch Library has something exciting waiting for you this summer. As part of Birmingham Public Library's 2026 Summer Reading Program, "Unearth a Story," Powderly Branch is offering a series of hands-on programs designed to spark imagination, encourage creativity, and make learning fun. From interactive science adventures and fossil explorations to theatrical storytelling experiences, these free programs invite children and families to discover something new all summer long. Powderly Branch Library Address: 3301 Jefferson Ave. SW, Birmingham, AL 35221 Phone: (205) 925-6178 Here's a closer look at some of the Summer Reading programs happening at Powderly Branch Library: Red Mountain Theatre: Unearth a Story Wednesd...

  2026 BPL Summer Reading Spotlight: Woodlawn Branch Library BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Every Birmingham Public Library branch offers its own special Summer Reading experience, but Woodlawn Branch Library stands out with a lineup you won't find just anywhere. Where else can families meet friendly therapy animals, hear an uplifting hip-hop program that celebrates learning, and sit down one-on-one with their Birmingham City Council Representative? As part of Birmingham Public Library's 2026 Summer Reading Program, "Unearth a Story," Woodlawn Branch Library is offering a variety of free programs designed to educate, entertain and bring neighbors together. From hands-on dinosaur STEM adventures and line dancing to technology classes for seniors and opportunities to connect with community leaders, Woodlawn provides something for children, teens, adults and seniors alike. Today's Summer Reading Spotlight highlights the unique programs that make Woodlawn Branch Library a ...

  2026 BPL Summer Reading Spotlight: Central Library Birmingham, Ala. -  This summer, the Birmingham Public Library is inviting readers of all ages to dig deeper into stories, creativity and discovery through its 2026 Summer Reading Program. With more than 200 free programs taking place at library locations across the city throughout June and July, there are countless opportunities to learn, explore and connect with others in the community. Each Birmingham Public Library location offers its own unique blend of activities, and the Central Library in downtown Birmingham serves as a hub for lifelong learning, local history, entrepreneurship, wellness and family-friendly programs. From a youth digital literacy camp and small business workshops to author talks, historical presentations, live theater and bluegrass music, Central Library's Summer Reading lineup offers something for every age and interest. Today's spotlight focuses on Birmingham Public Library's downtown flag...