Birmingham Public Library Blog

  Event Details: What:  2026 Summer Reading Kickoff When:  Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Where:  Avondale Park, 4105 5 th  Avenue South, Birmingham, AL Birmingham Public Library Kicks Off 2026 Summer Reading with Free Family Event at Avondale Park BIRMINGHAM, Ala.  — The  Birmingham Public Library  (BPL) invites families from across the city to participate in its 2026 Summer Reading Kickoff on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Avondale Park, adjacent to Avondale Regional Branch Library. The 2026 theme is “Unearth a Story.” Sponsored by the  Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Librar y and  The Caring Foundation , the Summer Reading Kickoff will feature family-friendly interactive activities designed to spark excitement about reading for patrons of all ages, from toddlers and children to teens, adults, and seniors. Attendees can enjoy crafts, face painting, a book walk, games, inflatables, a...

  BPL is celebrating 2026 National Library Week April 19-25 BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Birmingham Public Library (BPL) is celebrating National Library Week (April 19–25, 2026) by highlighting a wide range of nontraditional programs and services that go far beyond books. Established in 1958 by the American Library Association, National Library Week recognizes the vital role libraries play in communities nationwide. This year, BPL invites residents to explore how our libraries fulfill our mission to provide the highest quality experience to our community for lifelong learning, cultural enrichment and enjoyment. National Library Week is the perfect time to experience everything BPL has to offer.   During the week of April 20–26, BPL will host a variety of standout programs, including: Free Legal Assistance Ask an Attorney — West End Branch Library (April 20, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.) Volunteer Lawyers Birmingham will provide free civil legal advice in one-on-one sessio...

BPL is celebrating 2026 National Library Week April 19-25.  Free programs, wellness resources, cultural events highlight BPL’s impact in Birmingham BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Birmingham Public Library (BPL) is joining libraries nationwide in celebrating National Library Week (April 19–25) by showcasing a wide range of programs and services that extend far beyond books. BPL offers more than books: Our 17 locations provide a place to learn, create, and connect. Programs and services include story times for little ones, hands-on technology workshops, lively author events, book clubs, movies, music, games for all ages, and so much more. The mission of BPL is to provide the highest quality experience to our community for lifelong learning, cultural enrichment and enjoyment. As part of the celebration, BPL Executive Director Janine Langston will join staff and city leaders at the Tuesday, April 21 Birmingham City Council meeting, where Mayor Randall Woodfin will present an official procla...

  The flowers may be blooming, and the sun may be setting later. Those are important reminders that spring break is around the corner. Go ahead and plan a relaxing but exciting trip before the summertime heat kicks in.   As always, make sure that you have your obligatory, quintessential passport!   Apply for or renew your passport today at the  Birmingham Public Library (BPL)  to avoid packing any last-minute stress on your vacation.   BPL is a Passport Acceptance Facility and has many passport acceptance agents who can help you navigate the application process.   You can start your passport application process at the  Central Library  or the  Avondale Regional Branch Library . The  Springville Road Regional Branch Library  no longer accepts passport applications.   Central Library's passport hours for walk-in services are Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m....

100 Years Strong: North Birmingham Regional Library Celebrates Centennial What:  North Birmingham Regional Library 100th Anniversary Celebration When:  Tuesday, April 21, 2026 | 12 p.m. Where:  North Birmingham Regional Branch Library 2501 31st Ave. N Birmingham, AL 35207 BIRMINGHAM, Ala. —  The North Birmingham Regional Branch Library will mark a century of service to the community with a free, family-friendly 100th Anniversary Celebration on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Residents, families, community leaders, and members of the media are invited to attend this milestone event honoring 100 years of providing access to literacy, lifelong learning and free programs/services for residents of the North Birmingham area.  The celebration will feature live music, food, and fun activities. A highlight of the event will be the unveiling of a new 3D printer, offering young patrons hands-on access to cutting-edge technology and creative learning opportun...

🌎 Earth Day Concert Featuring Shaheed & DJ Supreme When: Tuesday, April 21 | 5 – 6 p.m. Where: Springville Road Regional Library, 1224 Springville Road, Birmingham, AL 35215 About the Event: Celebrate Earth Day at this free, family-friendly concert that blends music, literacy, and environmental awareness. Featuring Shaheed & DJ Supreme, this event highlights the importance of recycling, protecting local waterways, and building a cleaner, greener Birmingham through community action. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Birmingham Public Library (BPL) is inviting the community to celebrate Earth Day 2026 at a free concert happening April 21 at the Springville Road Regional Library. BPL’s Springville Road Regional Library, Birmingham City Council District 1 (Clinton Woods), and Black Warrior Riverkeeper are collaborating to present a free Earth Day concert focused on conservation, recycling, and protecting Birmingham’s natural resources. The event will feature Birmingham’s own dynamic hip-...

  What: BPL Loud at the Library Presents International Jazz Day Concert Who: Tully Kay, Saxophonist When: Thursday, April 30, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Where: Henley Park, 716 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham AL 35203 Cost: Free and open to the public Weather Plan: Moves indoors to BPL East Building (1st floor stage) What to Bring: Lawn chair or blanket BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) invites the community to celebrate International Jazz Day with a free outdoor concert as part of its popular Loud at the Library series. The concert will feature Birmingham-based saxophonist Tully Kay on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Henley Park, 716 Richard Arrington Blvd., located across from BPL’s downtown Central Location between the BPL Research Library and Jefferson County Courthouse. Guests are encouraged to bring a chair, relax, and enjoy an afternoon of smooth jazz in the heart of downtown Birmingham. In the event of i...

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Birmingham Public Library (BPL) has announced the sponsors for its 5th annual A Novel Tasting , a signature fundraising event set for April 10 that supports library programs serving residents of all ages across Birmingham. Leading the 2026 sponsorship roster is presenting sponsor The Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library . Pulitzer-level sponsors are NaphCare, William Blackstock, and CEAF (Cultural and Educational Advancement Foundation Inc.) Additional sponsors are Shannon Waltchack, Epice, Magic City Media, Susan Markem and Samuel Rumore. BPL officials expressed appreciation for the sponsors’ investment in literacy, lifelong learning and cultural enrichment at BPL, noting that their support plays a vital role in expanding access to library resources and services across all BPL locations. A Novel Tasting will take place Friday, April 10, 2026, at BPL’s Central Location, 2100 Park Place downtown. The event runs from 6 to 8:30 p.m., with a VIP re...