2016 Summer Reading Season Nearing Conclusion

The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) is entering the closing days of its 2016 summer reading schedule. Since late May, over 500 programs and workshops for teens, children, and adults have given thousands of metro Birmingham library patrons opportunities to exercise their mind and enjoy their passion for reading.

Programs have included non-book activities such as Belly Dancing for Beginners—a class on the ancient dance at the Springville Road Regional Branch Library, free exercise classes at libraries across Birmingham led by certified fitness instructor Russell Lee, and workshops by Haruyo Miyagawa on both knitting and the Japanese art of paper folding.

Teens and adults have learned dance moves led by Winston Strickland of M.A.D. SKILLZ DANCE CO., and youngsters with curiosity for chemical reactions learned what happens when you mix Diet Coke with Mentos candies. UAB’s ET (Enabling Technologies Laboratory) provided insight on what goes into designing video games by leading a program called Get in the Game with Virtual Reality.

Sports enthusiasts gained knowledge as several BPL locations hosted Hit a Home Run with the Negro Southern League Museum, with curator Toby Richards sharing artifacts from the rare baseball collection housed in the venue next to Regions Field near Railroad Park.

Although Summer Reading is ending, our 19 libraries host free programs and activities throughout the year. Check out the calendar listings on our web page at www.bplonline.org.