Birmingham Public Library Blog

Bebe Moore Campbell, best-selling author of several books, journalist and NPR commentator, died November 27 of brain cancer complications. Celebrate her life by reading one of her books , listening to her commentaries , or reading more about her life and career . Additional links: BookLetters Interview with Bebe Moore Campbell Bebe Moore Campbell's official Web site Official Press release (November 27, 2006) Biography Resource Center (requires Birmingham residency and library card) Wikipedia article

Join Birmingham storyteller Lee Smith this Wednesday, November 29 at noon in Central's Arrington Auditorium . She will share stories of love, laughter, loss and secrets that are never discussed at the Thanksgiving table.

Join Kwanzaa Year-round at Five Points West Regional Branch as we explore the wacky world of Rube Goldberg and construct our very own hiliarious machine using everyday objects. Learn basic concepts of engineering and robotics as we work together to build a machine to accomplish a simple task. Then, hit the road with us the following Saturday as we travel to see Alabama's Best Robotics Competition at Auburn University. Details: Workshop at Five Points West Regional Branch Library Saturday, December 2, 2006 2:00 p.m. FREE Field Trip Meet at Five Points West Regional Branch Library Departing at 7:00 a.m. for Auburn University BEST Robotics Competition FREE Appropriate for children of all ages. For additional information call (205) 223-0186 or (205) 226-0828

Over 30 local authors will have their books for sale December 1-2 at the downtown library . Come to Central's first floor from 10 a.m-3 p.m., buy a book or two, and have the authors autograph your purchases. This expo is sponsored by the Friends of the Birmingham Public Library .

With BPL's Thanksgiving resources guide , you can read about the history of the holiday, discover a new recipe, or find a clever craft for your children to create. Check it out and Happy Thanksgiving from all of the staff at your Birmingham Public Library.

Kids win 5 free tickets to Alabama Shakespeare Festival's production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast plus a family dinner and one night hotel stay. Children ages 4-13 have an opportunity to win a chance to see this wonderful show with 4 of their family members on Dec. 23. To Enter: Submit an essay of 200 words or less discussing your favorite Disney's Beauty and the Beast character or draw a picture of them. The deadline to submit is Monday Dec. 4. Turn all submissions in to one of our branch libraries. Parental or guardian signature is required to enter the contest. Good luck!

Sharon Draper, author of the Read It Forward book, Tears of a Tiger , will be visiting Birmingham Public Libraries and speaking about her book. Monday, December 11 Five Points West Branch 10 a.m. Woodlawn Branch 1 p.m. Springville Road Branch 4 p.m. Tuesday, December 12 North Birmingham Branch 10 a.m. Smithfield Branch 1 p.m. Southside Branch 4 p.m. Central -Arrington Auditorium 6:30 p.m.

Lynne Berry, author of Duck Skates and The Curious Demise of a Contrary Cat will be present several storytimes and two interactive writing programs for children at the following branches: Tuesday, November 28 Southside Branch Library - 9:30 a.m. Preschool storytime Five Points West Branch Library - 11 a.m. Preschool storytime Ensley Branch Library - 1 p.m. Preschool storytime West End Branch Library - 3:30 p.m. An interactive writing program for children Monday, December 4 Inglenook Branch Library - 9:30 a.m. Preschool storytime Avondale Branch Library - 11 a.m. Preschool storytime Wylam Branch Library - 3:30 p.m. An interactive writing program for children

In celebration of Children's Book Week, John McCutcheon will perform at several branches . Please come and join in the fun. "Children's Book Week introduces young people to new authors and ideas in schools, libraries, homes and bookstores. Through Children's Book Week, the Children's Book Council encourages young people and their caregivers to discover the complexity of the world beyond their own experience through books. " http://www.cbcbooks.org/cbw/

Come and spend an evening with Eric Essix at the Central Library on November 16th at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free but you must have a ticket. For tickets call (205) 226-3610. There is a limit of four tickets per person.

BPL's four regional branches Avondale , Five Points West , North Birmingham , and Springville Road now join Central to provide free wireless Internet access.