Summer Learning 2018 Sign-Up Begins May 11, Kickoff June 1

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 variety of programs for adults including computer classes, exercise and dance, arts and crafts, guest lecturers, movies, and book clubs. For a list of summer learning events and programs, visit the BPL events calendar.

The Birmingham Public Library will host its second annual Summer Learning Kickoff Celebration on June 1, 2018, 6:30-8:00 p.m., at the Central Library. This will be a fun event with refreshments, games, music, and activities for the whole family. FREE tickets for the event are available at all 19 BPL locations.

Got a Minute! READ! Birmingham Public Library is changing the way we record summer learning participation for the 2018 program. Rather than counting the number of books read, BPL will now record time read. Counting time spent reading, or being read to, rather than the number of books read or heard puts the emphasis on the act of reading. It equalizes the amount of effort required by participants with varying reading abilities. By counting time, all readers are rewarded equally for their efforts.

Beanstack Tracker app

Participants in the Birmingham Public Library Summer Learning program will have the opportunity to record their reading accomplishments using the online app, Beanstack, or by using the traditional paper reading log. The more participants read and log their reading time, the more opportunities they have to win prizes. We encourage everyone to be an “Eager Reader” this summer.

In addition to logging reading time, Birmingham Public Library is offering a variety of learning track activities for participants to complete. Activities include attending a library program, using one of the library’s free online resources, reading outside, and telling your librarian a joke!

The goal of the Birmingham Public Library’s Summer Learning program is to curb the problem of summer learning loss (summer slide) and to spark children’s interest in reading for pleasure. Our desire is for the library to be a place where everyone will find inspiration by pursuing their interests and learn for fun or just because the spark of curiosity has taken hold of them.

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