Birmingham Public Library Summer Reading for Adults: Belly Dance Lessons, Knitting, and Quilting

Instructor Russell Lee at Springville Road Library's It's So Easy to Exercise! class

If you are an adult looking for fun, free activities this summer, the Birmingham Public Library (BPL)’s 2016 summer reading schedule has plenty of activities to keep you busy.

Although most of the over 500 programs and workshops are geared towards teens and children, adults have plenty of opportunities to exercise their mind, from participating in book clubs to learning how to quilt or knit. Registration is under way now, with forms available in all 19 libraries across Birmingham or online at www.bplonline.org.

Want to try belly dancing? Then attend Belly Dancing for Beginners, a class on the ancient dance being offered at the Springville Road Regional Branch Library on June 24 and July 22. Need to get in shape? Certified fitness instructor Russell Lee is offering several free exercise classes at libraries across the city.

Interested in learning the basics of the Japanese art of paper folding? Register for a class being taught June 18 at the Central Library by calling 205-226-3670. Have a desire to learn the art of painting? Birmingham artist Cherie Hunt will provide simple instructions on how to draw your own canvas masterpiece at Get in the Game – Paint, a program that begins Tuesday, June 21, at the Central Library. Register by calling 205-226-3680.

Below is a listing of BPL adult summer reading programs available in Birmingham:

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 towel. Proper and suitable attire and athletic shoes for exercise is recommended.

Central Library – Saturday, June 11, 10:00 a.m.
North Birmingham Regional Branch Library – June 13, 11:00 a.m.
Southside Branch Library – June 14, 10:30 a.m.
Powderly Branch Library – June 17, 10:00 a.m.
Inglenook Branch Library – June 21, 10:00 a.m.
Five Points West Regional Branch Library – June 22, 10:30 a.m.
Smithfield Branch Library – June 23, 10:00 a.m.
Titusville Branch Library – June 27, 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 Branch Library – June 15, 10:00 a.m.
East Lake Branch Library – June 22, 10:00 a.m.
Central Branch Library – June 28, 2:00 p.m.
Powderly Branch Library – June 29, 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. Register by calling 205-226-3670.

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

Urban Fiction – Urban fiction has become one of the most popular genres for our library patrons. BPL 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 Birmingham Regional Branch Library – July 7, 11:00 a.m.

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 Regional Branch Library – June 20, 10:00 a.m.
Woodlawn Branch Library – July 18, 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 at 205-226-3680. Youth Department/Story Castle.

Central Library – June 21, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

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

Central Library – 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.

Central Library – June 14, 10:30 a.m.
Southside Branch Library – July 6, 10:00 a.m.
Powderly Branch Library – July 12, 1:30 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 Branch Library – June 21, 2:00 p.m.
East Lake Branch Library – June 24, 10:00 a.m.
North Birmingham Regional Branch Library – June 27, 11:00 a.m.
West End Branch Library – June 28, 12:00 p.m.
Central Library – 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.

Titusville Branch Library – July 7, 2:00 p.m.
Central Library – 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 Branch Library – June 14, 2:00 p.m.
Central Library – June 22, 2:00 p.m.
Woodlawn Library – July 19, 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 Library – 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.

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