2019 Summer Learning: BPL hosts Science Stories That Changed the World

Elinor and Winfield Burks, with a BPL patron

Winfield and Elinor Burks, who for years have shared their passion for science with young patrons at the Birmingham Public Library, are a new edition to the Birmingham Public Library’s 2019 Summer Learning program lineup.

Winfield Burks helps a patron at the Math & Science Day

 The Burks will lead a series of activities called “Science Stories that Changed the World.”

 Join BPL as the Burks lead young patrons in building a game, testing their knowledge of the planets and learning about experiments in space. Through the program, participants will learn about people who made a contribution to the world of science such as:

* Mae Jemison, the Alabama native who was the first black woman in space

*  Gladys West,  a black mathematician and one of the "Hidden Figures" heroes, who is lesser known for inventing the Global Positioning System, better known as GPS. West was inducted into the Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers Hall of Fame in December 2018. 

* The three black women featured in the movie Hidden Figures, a hit film about three black women who played a pivotal role in NASA's space program during the late 1950's and 1960's.

The Burks are well known for the Ensley Science Club they have hosted at Ensley Branch Library and the Math & Science Fun Day, slated for this year on Saturday, July 27, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Five Points West Regional Library.

Elinor Burks assists patrons at Math & Science Day. 

 BPL’s Science Stories That Changed the World by the Burks schedule, open to children of all ages, is as follows:

Tuesday, June 18 - 10:00 a.m. - Ensley Library
Thursday, June 20 - 10:00 a.m. - East Ensley Library
Friday, June 21 - 10:00 a.m., - North Avondale Library
Tuesday, June 25 - 10:00 a.m. - Pratt City Library
Wednesday, June 26 - 10:00 a.m. - Avondale Library
Thursday, June 27 - 11:00 a.m. - West End Library
Monday, July 1 - 10:00 a.m. - Powderly Library
Tuesday, July 2 - 10:30 a.m. - Titusville Library
Wednesday, July 3 - 10:00 a.m. - East Lake Library
Tuesday, July 9 - 10:00 a.m. - Five Points West Library
Wednesday, July 10 - 10:00 a.m. - Inglenook Library
Thursday, July 11 - 11:00 a.m. - Eastwood Library
Monday, July 15 - 10:00 a.m. - Woodlawn Library
Tuesday, July 16 - 10:00 a.m. - Wylam Library (to be held at Faith Chapel Christian Center)
Wednesday, July 17 - 10:00 a.m. - Springville Road Library
Thursday, July 18 - 10:30 a.m. - North Birmingham Library

For a full listing of BPL programs, click on the BPL calendar