Everyone Can Be a Superhero at the Birmingham Public Library

The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) is excited to present Summer Reading 2015 at all 19 locations. BPL’s commitment to outstanding summer reading experiences for children, teens, and adults is reflected in the many and varied offerings for all ages and interests. Participants can discover new books, make new friends, learn a new skill, and enjoy family-friendly programs by participating in Every Hero Has a Story for kids, Unmask! for teens, and Escape the Ordinary for adults. These programs are made possible by a generous grant from the Alabama Power Foundation.

The goal of summer reading is to encourage participants (especially children) to read for pleasure and to read often. BPL is offering special program and incentives during June and July to motivate patrons of all ages, from children to adults, to read what they enjoy. Once participants ready the number of books in their set goal, they are eligible for rewards. Reading rewards range from admission tickets to McWane Science Center and the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame to Scavenger Hunt prizes from Red Mountain Park’s zip line.

Participants can sign up at any BPL location or on-line at http://www.bplonline.org/summerreading.aspx. The online component is a new feature this summer where children, teens, and adults may record reading activities to their account and earn virtual badges and rewards for reading and participating in library programs. The BPL Summer Reading webpage features summer reading lists from area schools, a featured e-book of the day from Tumble Books, links to online resources, and event calendars.

Thousands of readers are expected to participate this summer. Magic shows, art classes, live-animal demonstrations, movies, talent shows, fitness fun, storytimes, and more will be offered at all BPL locations this summer.

Janine Langston
Western Region Coordinator
Birmingham Public Library