Birmingham Public Library Blog

We're having a paint party! Please join us for what promises to be a fun and creative evening. Have you always wanted to transform a blank canvas into a work of art? Do you love to be creative and have fun with paint? Well, we have a class for you! Local artist Cherie Hunt will provide step-by-step instructions for participants to complete their very own canvas masterpiece. Limited to 20 participants. This is an adult program. Please call 205-226-3677 to register. Librari es Rock!! Registration Required. Thursday, June 14 – 2:00-3:00 p.m. Birmingham Public Library – Central 2nd Floor, Youth Department Story Castle Cherie Hunt will visit other BPL locations in June and July. Check the events calendar for upcoming dates. 

by Alisha Johnson, Ensley Branch Library Sycamore Row John Grisham If you enjoyed the movie or the book  A Time to Kill , written by John Grisham, then you will love reading Sycamore Row. It is a powerful read, set in the late '80s in Ford County, Mississippi. This novel exposes racial tensions in the south during that time, while leaving readers embroiled in a gripping tale of murder, money, lies, and land. One well-known character, Jake Brigance ( A Time To Kill ) is once again thrust in the middle of a highly controversial trial that will test his compassion, determination, and character while acting as the attorney over the deceased Seth Hubbard’s estate. Sycamore Row will have your emotions spiraling out of control while leaving readers on the edge of their seat. Sycamore Row is the June “Pick of the Month” for the Ensley’s Reading Gems book club. Come out and join us for an amazing discussion on this awesome book. Ensley’s Reading Gems meets every second T...

by Mollie McFarland, Youth Department , Central Library Seraphina Rachel Hartman Seraphina Dombegh lives in a world inhabited by humans and dragons. Dragons are adept at math, music, and logical thinking while humans boast of creativity and emotion. After centuries of wars and civil unrest, the two peoples established an uneasy peace which has lasted 40 years. There is still tension and suspicion between the races, magnified by the fact that dragons have the ability to fold themselves into human form and pass undetected through human society. Seraphina is a gifted musician who has been hired to play in the royal court and teach the princess music, but she has a big secret. She’s half-human, half-dragon, a combination which both species find repellent. Seraphina must hide her true identity while navigating the tricky politics of court life. Soon after she arrives, a heir to the human throne is murdered and all signs point to a dragon attack. This could shatter the shaky peace....

What: Bards & Brews Open Mic poetry event during Birmingham Art Crawl (5:00-9:00 p.m.) When: Thursday, June 7, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Where: McWane Plaza Details: Free and open to all ages. Food and beer will be available for purchase at the Pizitz Food Hall. Bards & Brews, Birmingham Public Library's monthly spoken-word poetry program, will have a change of scenery (and day and time!) in June with our participation in the Birmingham Art Crawl . The Birmingham Art Crawl is scheduled for Thursday, June 7, 5:00-9:00 p.m., in downtown Birmingham, rain or shine; Bards & Brews performances are scheduled from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Bards & Brews will be open air and open mic outside the McWane Plaza (right in front of the McWane Science Center ). Brian "Voice Porter" Hawkins will serve as host. Food and beer will be available for purchase inside the Pizitz Food Hall . As you check out the amazing visual artists of the Magic City, join us for an unforgettable ni...

About 2018 Summer Learning at BPL: Summer Learning offers over 400 free activities for kids, teens and adults at 19 locations across the City of Birmingham in June and July 2018. Register at any BPL location, online at  www.bplonline.org , or by attending the 2018 BPL  Summer Learning Kickoff Celebration , Friday, June 1, 6:30-8:00 p.m., at Central Library. Free tickets for the event are available at all 19 BPL locations.  The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) is transitioning from a traditional summer reading model to a new name—Summer Learning—with an emphasis on learning activities and programs designed to help students retain knowledge while on summer break. As a new member of the Urban Libraries Council , BPL is joining other libraries across the country in switching programs to a Summer Learning program. Summer Learning focuses on learning through reading to prevent the dreaded "summer slide," a term referring to learnin...

What: Employment Readiness Bootcamp When: Monday, June 4, 2018 and Monday, June 18, 2018 Monday, July 9, 2018 and Monday, July 23, 2018 Time: 1:30-3:00 p.m. Where: June 4 session is at the Central Library, Youth Department, Story Castle, 2nd floor; June 18, July 9, and July 23 sessions are at the Central Library, Linn-Henley Research Library, Regional Library Computer Center, 4th floor Details: There will be two workshops: (1) Personal & Career Strength Test/Resume Rehabilitation and (2) New Age Online Application Drill/Interview Performance Training. Free and open to the public; registration required. Choosing a career is not any easy undertaking. Likewise, once you’ve chosen a career, finding a job can be a pretty difficult task as well. When you consider that throughout your lifetime you spend more hours at your job than you do anywhere else, you really need to put the time and effort into making good decisions in regards to career selection and job searching. This...

by Ellen Griffin Shade, Avondale Regional Branch Library One of the things I always loved about getting out of school for summer was having the freedom to read whatever I wanted. No reading assignments. No homework. No book reports—just reading and enjoying the books I chose for myself! This summer we’re launching a new book club dedicated to that feeling of freedom. It’s called Book Club Freestyle. In this book club, participants read ANY book they choose and join fellow book lovers to discuss what everyone is reading. It’s a fun way to share the book club experience while still having the freedom to choose your own reading material. And hearing about the books other people have selected is a great way to find new titles and authors to enjoy. The Avondale Library Book Club will still meet on the third Monday night of the month, and Book Club Freestyle will meet on the fourth Monday night at 6:00 p.m. starting June 25. You can sign up for either program or both by cal...

by June Lacanski, North Birmingham Regional Branch Library , Children's Department Turtle Tuck loves to smile at the patrons Interviewer: Today we are visiting with Turtle Tuck, North Birmingham Library’s resident eastern box turtle. Mr. Tuck, can I ask you some questions? Turtle Tuck: I’m not Mr. Tuck! I’m Turtle Tuck. OK. Can I ask you some questions, Turtle Tuck? Sure. If they are easy questions. Turtle Tuck, how long have you lived at the North Birmingham Library? Let’s see . . . 17 minus 4 plus 8 times 3 minus 42 plus 3 minus 14. Good grief, how many years is that? Your guess is as good as mine; I don’t know my numbers. OK, OK . . . Well, your sign says 10 years. And how did you come to live at the North Birmingham’s Zoobrary? In a car, I think . . . Umm . . . Then who brought you to the Zoobrary? There was not a Zoobrary then. I made it a Zoobrary. But, a family brought me to the North Birmingham Library. They had kept me for a while and decided libra...

"Behind every innovation is a diverse team of people with different cultural backgrounds and perspectives. Although it's tempting to believe that similarity is the path to success, true innovation flourishes when fueled by multiple perspectives. Research shows that cultural diversity (which also includes ethnic, linguistic, socioeconomic, gender, and religious diversity) is a key ingredient in fostering creativity and innovation. According to the Harvard Business Review , 'Leaders who give diverse voices equal airtime are nearly twice as likely as others to unleash value-driving insights, and employees in a "speak up" culture are 3.5 times as likely to contribute their full innovative potential.'” Read more about cultural diversity in the workplace in the article "Multiple Perspectives: Why Cultural Diversity is Necessary for Innovation" by Melanie Moore at Slice of Mango . Mango Languages is an online language learning system that teaches...

Make plans to attend the 2018 BPL Summer Learning Kickoff Celebration at the Central Library  on Friday, June 1, 6:30-8:00 p.m. The theme for the 2018 BPL Summer Learning program is " Libraries ROCK .” You can register and print out a downloadable calendar for kids, teens, and adults at BPL's Summer Learning page . As a new member of the  Urban Libraries Council , BPL is joining others in transitioning from the traditional Summer Reading program to a Summer Learning program, with an emphasis on preventing "summer slide," a term referring to learning loss that occurs when students are on summer break. Kids and teens are not the only focus of the over 400 free activities being offered through the 2018 Birmingham Public Library (BPL)’s Summer Learning program in June and July. There are also plenty of programs tailored for adults, including genealogy classes and workshops on preserving family papers and photos, 30 computer classes on a variety of topics, senio...

What:   Common Bonds: Birmingham Snapshots, 1900-1950 photography exhibit When: May 23-August 31, 2018, during library hours Where: Central Library , Fourth Floor Gallery Cost: Free and open to the public Contact: Jim Baggett at jbaggett@bham.lib.al.us or 205-226-3631 One of the Birmingham Public Library (BPL) Archives’ most popular exhibits, Common Bonds: Birmingham Snapshots, 1900-1950, will again be on display in the Central Library’s Fourth Floor Gallery. Including almost 300 images from the Archives’ collections and private collections, the exhibit highlights the simple snapshot photos that preserve a moment, tell a story, and record life’s milestones. Snapshots illustrate the common bonds of people creating their own visual biographies—mothers chronicling their children’s growth, young men and women proudly leaning against automobiles, families playing in snow, friends being goofy. And for Birmingham, a place often remembered for its divisions, snapshots sh...

What: 2018 Birmingham Public Library Summer Learning, over 400 free activities for kids, teens, and adults being held at 19 locations across the City of Birmingham in June and July 2018. Details: Summer Learning puts an emphasis on learning through reading to prevent the dreaded "summer slide," a term referring to learning loss that occurs when students are on summer break. Make plans to attend the 2018 BPL Summer Learning Kickoff Celebration at the Central Library  on Friday, June 1, 6:30-8:00 p.m. The theme for the 2018 BPL Summer Learning program is " Libraries ROCK .” You can register and print out a downloadable calendar for kids, teens, and adults at BPL's Summer Learning page . Are you a teenager desiring to learn how to program robots or how to create cool objects using a 3D printer? Do you have a child with a gift for poetry who desires to write a spoken word poem about the civil rights movement that’ll be archived for future generations to hear...

Rap & R&B "Joyride" – Tinashe "KOLORBLIND" – DJ ESCO "First Weapon Drawn" – Czarface "Pain & Pleasure" (EP) – Tink "Total Xanarchy" – Lil Xan Country "The Tree of Forgiveness" – John Prine "Sometimes Just the Sky" – Mary Chapin Carpenter "Liberty" – Lindi Ortega "Volunteer" – Old Crow Medicine Show Dancehall Dreamin': a Tribute to Pat Green – Pat Green Alternative "Virtue" – The Voidz "When My Heart Felt Volcanic" – The Aces "A Moment of Silence" – The Funeral Portrait "Clean" – Soccer Mommy "Treadmill at the Finish Line" – The Second After Rock "Both Sides of the Sky" – Jimi Hendrix "FIREPOWER" – Judas Priest "Boarding House Reach" – Jack White Elvis Presley: The Searcher (The Original Soundtrack) – Elvis Presley "The Stories We Tell Ourselves" ...

Library retrieval trends show that digital magazines are very popular during summer months because they can be read from any location, whether it be from the beach, park, airport, or backyard. If you've ever found yourself wanting to take home armfuls of those magazines in the grocery store checkout lane, but didn't because you don't want to pay all that money for them, consider reading them through Flipster! The Birmingham Public Library offers access to the most current and popular magazines through Flipster . The New Yorker , Cooking Light , Prevention , and Ranger Rick were the most downloaded magazines from May to August of last year. The easy-to-use Flipster app makes it convenient to search, shelve, and read on any device. Free to Birmingham Public Library patrons with a JCLC card. Full text and remote access available.

by Pat Rumore, president of the Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library Computer Commons department head and instructor Maurice Harley teaches a class  on PowerPoint 2010 to adult participants Today I spent two hours at the Central Library downtown relearning the basic Word 10 word-processing program. I enjoy classes at the library. There are so many and almost always they're both helpful and free. While waiting for the class to start I talked to other class members. There were various reasons people were attending. One said she needed to create a resume online that she could upload or email to potential employers and job search sites. Another said she needed computer skills to fulfill actual job requirements. I'm taking classes because I'm back to writing things like this blog post and minutes, thank you letters, etc., as a volunteer for the Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library . It's great to show up and learn, and then to use w...

We're having a paint party! Please join us for what promises to be a fun and creative evening. Have you always wanted to transform a blank canvas into a work of art? Do you love to be creative and have fun with paint? Well, we have a class for you! Local artist Cherie Hunt will provide step-by-step instructions for participants to complete their very own canvas masterpiece. Limited to 20 participants. This is an adult program. Please call 205-226-3677 to register. Librari es Rock!! Registration Required. Thursday, June 14-- 2:00-3:00 p.m. Birmingham Public Library-- Central 2nd Floor, Youth Department Story Castle.

What: Steps to Starting a Franchise Business seminar Dates: Monday, May 21, 2018 Monday, June 25, 2018 Tuesday, July 24, 2018 Time: 12:00-1:00 p.m. Where: Central Library, Linn-Henley Research Library, Arrington Auditorium, 4th floor Cost: Free but registration is required The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) and Birmingham SCORE  will begin offering Steps to Starting a Franchise Business, a monthly how-to seminar on franchising, beginning Monday, April 23, 12:00 p.m., at the Central Library. The seminar will explore how franchising can take the risk out of starting your own business and becoming self-employed. Greg Foss, a career transition coach with The Entrepreneur’s Source®  and SCORE mentor, will facilitate the seminar. Topics to be covered in the seminar include: common myths and truths about franchising, the importance of knowing your personal goals before taking the plunge, non-standard ownership options, how to finance your business, how to researc...

ESPN Illustration The 2018 NBA Conference Finals are almost a repeat of last year’s conference finals.   In the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers will be taking on the Boston Celtics again in an effort to reach the NBA Finals.   Cleveland faced a much tougher road this year on their path to the conference finals.   As a #4 seed they faced the #5 seed Indiana Pacers in the first round.   It took seven games and a valiant effort on the part of LeBron James to secure the victory to move to the second round.   Shockingly, the Cleveland Cavaliers were able to sweep the second round series against the #1 seed Toronto Raptors .   That victory gave them a little more time to rest and get ready for a rematch against the Boston Celtics.   The Cavaliers are seeking an opportunity to play in their fourth consecutive NBA Finals.   Despite acquiring all-star point guard Kyrie Irving from the Cleveland Cavaliers this season, the Celt...

The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) is excited to present Summer Learning 2018 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. The theme for the Birmingham Public Library’s Summer Learning program is “Libraries ROCK!” Participants of all ages will have the opportunity to sign up beginning May 11, 2018 . This year as a new member of the Urban Libraries Council , BPL is joining others in transitioning our programs from the traditional Summer Reading program to a Summer Learning program. During June and July the Birmingham Public Library will present more than 400 FREE programs to deepen reading enjoyment, spark STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) passions, and the opportunity for students to learn through active exploration. In addition to learning activities for children and teens, the Birmingham Public Library will host a var...

What: Developing a Business Plan seminar Date: Tuesday May 22, 2018 Time: 12:00-1:00 p.m. Where: Central Library, Linn-Henley Research Library, Arrington Auditorium, 4th floor Cost: Free but registration is required Crafting an effective business plan is a critical component for ensuring entrepreneurial success. A business plan is not only necessary for securing much needed financing, but it also serves as a vital tool in providing direction and purpose for all your business activities. To help you learn how to craft an effective plan, the Birmingham Public Library is partnering with SCORE  and BBVA Compass bank  to offer a seminar, Developing a Business Plan, on Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at the Central Library. The seminar will be taught by local small business specialists from BBVA Compass. The seminar is suitable for both those who are thinking of starting a business and those who want to grow their existing business. Seminar topics will include the followin...

Three genealogy classes are scheduled for May at the Central Library . Introduction to Genealogy and Ancestry.com Library Edition are free and open to the public. The Beyond the Basics of Genealogy workshop “Johnny Has Gone For A Soldier”: Military Records in Family History Research is free of charge, but registration is requested. Additional workshops will be announced this summer. Saturday, May 12, 10:00-11:00 a.m., Central Library, Southern History Department, 1st floor, Linn-Henley Research Library Introduction to Genealogy – Want to learn how to do genealogical research? Come to this introductory class that will help get you started on your genealogical journey. The staff in the Southern History Department covers such topics as vital records, courthouse and church records, and the Federal Census. Free and open to the public. Sunday, May 20, 2:30-4:00 p.m., Central Library, Arrington Auditorium, 4th floor, Linn-Henley Research Library Beyond the Basics of Genealogy – “Joh...

What: I Sip My Tea with Royalty When: May 20, 2018 Time: 3:00-4:30 p.m. Where: Central Library/Youth Department/Story Castle/ 2nd floor Details: Free and open to all ages, but registration is required. On May 20 the Central Library will host a tea in celebration of the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who will marry on May 19, 2018, at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle in England. Participants will enjoy tea and light refreshments as we view highlights from the royal wedding, as well as selections from British documentaries. Please remember to bring your favorite tea cup and saucer. This will be a fun and festive event in which participants can also test their knowledge of royal trivia. All ages are welcome. Attendance is free but registration is required. Register online through the Birmingham Public Library events calendar  or call 205-226-3670.

Jim Baggett, archivist at the Birmingham Public Library (BPL), will hold a free workshop on May 19 at the Avondale Regional Branch Library. "Setting the Scene" is part of BPL's free Local Author Workshops series aimed at helping local authors learn how to write and market their books. In July editor Liz Reed will help writers with the steps to take to get their book published and promoted. Schedule of workshops: May 19, 2018, 10:00-11:00 a.m., Avondale Regional Branch Library , “ Setting the Scene ” with speaker Jim Baggett Join BPL archivist Jim Baggett to learn about historic photos, maps, and documents available in the BPL Archives and Manuscripts Department that can help writers create rich, authentic, and accurate historical settings so that readers feel like they are living inside the pages of your book. July 21, 2018, 10:00-11:00 a.m., Central Library , Arrington Auditorium, “ Every Writer Needs an Editor: The Editor's Role in Honing a Manuscript ”...

Update: The previous start time of 12:00 p.m. has been changed to 11:00 a.m. for the May 16 workshop. The Birmingham Public Library is partnering again this year with UAB’s Regions Institute for Financial Education  to offer a series of Money Matters workshops to be held each month at our Central location. Each of the workshops covers a different topic, but all are designed to help you gain a better understanding of your personal finances and begin making a plan for the future. The final Money Matters workshop, Your Credit Report, is scheduled for May 16, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. , and will be held in the Youth Department’s Story Castle, which is located on 2nd floor of the Central Library. Representatives from the Regions Institute for Financial Education in UAB’s Collat School of Business  will serve as instructors for each of the workshops. What: Money Matters  workshop series When: Third Wednesday of the month, October 2017 thru May 2018 Time: 11:00 ...

by David Blake, Fiction Department , Central Library My Venice and Other Essays Donna Leon Fans of Donna Leon are accustomed to walking the calli (streets) of Venice with Commissario Guido Brunetti, the star of Donna Leon’s popular detective novels, set in Venice, of course. It’s interesting, by the way, that Leon does not allow her books to be translated into Italian. She doesn’t want her neighbors to read them. Leon has been a resident of Venice for decades, and this book begins with a series of essays about her life there. Her tongue, and her sense of humor, are far sharper than her fictional character, Brunetti’s. This is an eclectic collection. Italian men and their mothers, war crimes, and noisy neighbors are all subjects for her humor. Leon’s stories about Venetian dog poop and garbage are table slappers. Leon is an opera lover and her exploits to hear Maria Callas sing are harrowing. Like Brunetti, Leon is good company, but, unlike him, she isn’t mellow. Her stories...