Summer Reading 2016 Programs for Adults


The Birmingham Public Library has a summer of fun planned with activities, programs, and prizes for children, teens, and adults. Register for Summer Reading 2016 at your favorite branch, or visit BPL's summer reading page to register online, log your books, view the event calendar, and more.

Below is a list of system-wide summer reading programs for adults, but check the event calendar for a complete list of programs happening at all BPL locations this summer.

Coloring for Adults – Summer is the perfect time to discover something new, have fun, and relax. Join us to explore your creative side and discover the benefits of coloring. We supply the coloring sheets, color pencils, and crayons. Come by for a fun and creative experience. We hope you will join us.

North Birmingham – June 20, 10:00 a.m.
Woodlawn – July 18, 2:00 p.m.

Device Training – Downloadables – Summer is the ideal time to explore an interesting subject or learn something new. Would you like to learn how to download and read e-books or listen to audiobooks for free on your device? Library staff can teach you how. Bring your own device or you can use the various devices we will bring. We hope you will join us to see what the library has to offer. Note: we will only be using devices that have Internet capabilities and do not need to be hooked up to a computer.

Powderly – June 21, 2:00 p.m.
East Lake – June 24, 10:00 a.m.
North Birmingham – June 27, 11:00 a.m.
West End – June 28, 12:00 p.m.
Central – July 12, 2:15 p.m.

Every House Has a History: Researching Birmingham Area Houses, Buildings and Churches – Jefferson County enjoys a rich architectural heritage. This talk will introduce you to sources available at the Birmingham Public Library Archives to help you locate vintage photos of your house, building, or church, determine the age of the structure, and learn who has lived or worked there.

North Birmingham – June 8, 11:00 a.m.
Titusville – July 7, 2:00 p.m.
Central – July, 18, 10:30 a.m.

Explore the Past with the Birmingham Public Library’s African-American History Online –
Our database, African-American History Online, covers a multitude of topics associated with the African American experience. This fascinating resource uses primary documents, slideshows and videos, maps, and biographies to paint a complete picture of African Americans yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Topics covered include the African diaspora, slavery and emancipation, civil rights, sports, politics, science, commerce, religion, and much more.

West End – June 14, 2:00 p.m.
Central – June 22, 2016 2:00 p.m.
Woodlawn – July 19, 2:00 p.m.

Get in the Game...Paint – Local artist Cherie Hunt will provide step-by-step instructions for participants to complete their very own canvas masterpiece. Limited space; registration required. Youth Department/Story Castle.

Central – June 21, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Gifts of a Wordsmith Location – Free adult poetry workshop. East Building/First Floor Conference Room.

Central – June 7, 6:00-7:45 p.m.
Central – July 5, 6:00-7:45 p.m.

Handle with Care: Preserving Your Family Papers and Photographs  – There are many basic and inexpensive things you can do to ensure that your family letters, scrapbooks, and photographs are preserved for the future. This talk introduces the fundamentals of home archiving.

Springville Road – June 7, 6:30 p.m.
Titusville – June 9, 2:00 p.m.
Central – June 14, 10:30 a.m.
Southside – July 6, 10:00 a.m.
Powderly – July 12, 1:30 p.m.

It's So Easy to Exercise! – Join us for a sample of a low impact/chair exercise program designed for cardiovascular activity, strength training, and flexibility techniques. Certified fitness instructor Russell Lee will also include a brief talk on general exercise safety. Participants will need to furnish their own exercise mat and a towel. Proper and suitable attire and athletic shoes for exercise is recommended. Come join the fun! Linn-Henley Research Library/Arrington Auditorium.

Central – June 11, 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Knitting Basics for Adults – Learn the basics of knitting. From a simple cast-on to knitting and purling. Knitting needles and yarn will be provided (note: supplies must be returned at the end of class). Attendees may bring their own supplies if desired.

Southside – June 15, 10:00 a.m.
East Lake – June 22, 10:00  a.m.
Central – June 28, 2:00 p.m.
Powderly – June 29, 2:00 p.m.

Let's Talk About It: Oral History (Beyond the Basics of Genealogy) – Relatives and family friends are important sources of information. Whom do you want to talk with (everyone) and what do you want to ask (everything). Join us in this introduction to oral history. Learn how to gather information from those who have difficulty remembering or are troubled by the past and reluctant to share it. Beyond the Basics of Genealogy workshops are free of charge, but registration is requested. To register, contact the Southern History Department at 205-226-3665 or askgenlocal@bham.lib.al.us. Linn-Henley Research Library/Arrington Auditorium.

Central – July 16, 10:00-11:30 a.m.

Life in 1916  –  What was life like in Birmingham 100 years ago in 1916? Get a glimpse into the past as the Southern History Department takes you on a journey through the news, stories, and advertisements gleaned from Birmingham newspapers for the year 1916.

Springville Road – June 6, 2:00 p.m.
West End – June 20, 2:00 p.m.
Southside – July 11, 2:15 p.m.
Central – July 13, 2:00 p.m.
North Avondale – July 18, 2:00 p.m.

Origami 101 Class – Learn the basics of the Japanese art of paper folding. All supplies will be provided. Class size is limited to 10 people.

Central – June 18, 2:00 p.m.
North Avondale – July 7, 10:00 a.m.

Urban Fiction – Urban fiction has become one of the most popular genres for our library patrons. Birmingham Public Library staff will provide an overview of the genre, discuss urban fiction publishers, authors, and series, and reveal ways to discover new authors you may like.

North Avondale – June 9, 11:00 a.m.
Springville Road – June 10, 1:00 p.m.
North Birmingham – July 7, 11:00 a.m.

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