Avondale Branch Library Hosting Ukulele Workshop, Emily Dickinson Programs in April

Ukulele time at Avondale Library!
BPL on Flickr

If you’ve been dreaming about playing the ukulele but need some help to get started, the Avondale Regional Branch Library has a class just for you. Ukulele 101 will take place on Saturday, April 30, at 9:30 a.m.

Designed for the absolute beginner, this 45-minute introduction will provide enough information to get you strumming. Class size is limited, so register in advance by calling 205-226-4003. The class will be taught by Avondale Library’s very own Mrs. Eve: “Once you start strumming, you will never want to stop. It just makes you happy.”

The class is an extension of the library’s Uku-Lending Program, brain child of storyteller Eve Parker. After reading several articles about similar programs being offered at libraries in Maine, Nebraska, and Georgia, Mrs. Eve began dreaming. Thanks to her hard work and a generous donation of 13 ukuleles from Fretted Instruments in Homewood, the dream became a reality. As of today, over 85 patrons have participated in Birmingham Public Library’s Uku-Lending Progam.

“Hope” is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all -
– Emily Dickinson

This month, Avondale Library has hosted three programs featuring poet Emily Dickinson’s work as part of The Big Read Birmingham, a spotlight on Emily Dickinson. Several Birmingham Public Library branches are participating in The Big Read sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Birmingham-Southern College, the Public Libraries of Jefferson County, and other organizations.

Articles of Interest:
"Uku-Lending at Birmingham Public Library." BPL Blog. August 25, 2015.
http://bplolinenews.blogspot.com/2015/08/uku-lending-at-birmingham-public-library.html

Ashton, Edward. "Avondale Library introduces ukulele lending program." Weld for Birmingham. September 18, 2015
http://weldbham.com/blog/2015/09/18/avondale-library-introduces-ukulele-lending-program/