Birmingham Public Library 2018 Summer Learning: Adult Classes Include Senior Chair Aerobics, Preserving Family Papers, Music, and Book Clubs

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, senior chair aerobics, painting, adult knitting, and more.

Here is a listing of select adult Summer Learning programs taking place in June and July. Find these and other summer learning events and programs for all ages on the BPL events calendar.

Old School Scrapbooking, June 6, 10:00 a.m., Pratt City Library; July 10, 10:00 a.m., Eastwood LibraryMany late 19th and early 20th century scrapbooks, mementos by Birmingham residents, are preserved in the BPL Archives Department. This talk will share tips on scrapbook keeping—cards, photographs, letters, poems, theater programs, newspaper clippings, and more.

Chair Exercises

Workout Wednesday with Ms. Myra, June 6 and July 18, 10:00 a.m., Five Points West Library
Chair exercise with contemporary inspirational music.

Senior Chair Aerobics, June 15, 10:00 a.m., Powderly Library
Join Ms. Candice for a rockin’ good time of movement and fun.

Introduction to Genealogy
BPL Southern History Department’s popular class to help you get started on researching your family tree is being offered at several library locations across the city in June and July.

Central Library, June 9, 10:00 a.m.; June 27, 3:00 p.m.; July 10, 10:00 a.m.; July 25, 3:00 p.m.
Avondale Library, June 18, 2:00 p.m.
Eastwood Library, June 18, 10:00 a.m.
East Ensley Library, June 20, 2:00 p.m.
East Lake Library, July 23, 11:00 a.m.
North Birmingham Library, July 30, 11:00 a.m.

Spinners Club: Music Appreciation 101In this class, music lovers will listen to various genres of music and discuss them.

Avondale Library, June 12, 11:00 am.
North Avondale Library, June 19, 11:00 a.m.
Smithfield Library, June 25, 11:00 a.m .
Ensley Library, July 9, 11:00 a.m.
Powderly Library, July 10, 11:00 a.m.

Book Clubs

Avondale Library Book Club, June 18 and July 16, 6:00 p.m., Avondale Library

Avondale Book Club Freestyle, June 25 and July 23, 6:00 p.m., Avondale Library
Read any book you want and join fellow book lovers to discuss them.

North Avondale Library Chapter Chatters Book Club, June 27,  10:30 a.m., North Avondale Library

North Avondale Library Chapter Chatters Book Club with Artist Cherie Hunt, July 25, 10:30 a.m., North Avondale Library. Registration required.This month’s book club discussion will feature a hands-on painting experience with artist Cherie Hunt based on the book of the month. Participants will leave with their own masterpiece. Class is limited to 20 adults. Register in advance by calling 205-592-2082.

Smithfield Adult Book Club, June 6, 11:00 a.m., Smithfield Library

Palette PartyLocal artist Cherie Hunt will provide step-by-step instructions for participants to complete their very own canvas masterpiece. Limited space.

North Birmingham Library, June 11, 11:00 a.m. Register by calling 205-226-4025.
Five Points West Library, June 13, 10:30 a.m. Register by calling 205-226-4015.
Avondale Library, June 13, 2:00 p.m. Register by calling 205-226-4000.
Central Library, June 14, 2:00 p.m. Register by calling Leslie Deason at 205-226-3677 or by emailing ldeason@bham.lib.al.us
Pratt City Library, July 11, 11:00 a.m. Register by calling 205-791-4997.
Ensley Library, July 11, 2:00 p.m. Register by calling 205-849-8739.
East Lake Library, July 12, 11:00 a.m. Register by calling 205-787-1928.
Smithfield Library, July 17, 11:00 a.m. Register by calling 205-324-8428.
Powderly Library, July 20, 10:00 a.m. Register by calling 205-925-6178.

BPL 2018 Summer Learning is made possible by generous support from the Alabama Power Foundation.