BPL launching "Real Men Talk," an after school male mentoring program

The Birmingham Public Library is launching "Real Men Talk," a new after school male mentoring program debuting in September 2019.

Join us for a kickoff informational session taking place on Saturday, June 15, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., in the Central Library East Grand Reading Room in downtown Birmingham. Snacks will be provided. Youth organizations, church groups and men interested in volunteering are invited.

"Real Men Talk" is an after school library male mentoring program series featuring men of various professions talking to BPL teens about their careers, sharing advice about real life issues and answering questions any teen would like to ask an adult male. It is modeled after “Real Men Read,” a program held annually at  Fairfield’s Robinson Elementary. Real Men Read is a product of I See Me Inc., founded by Robinson Elementary teacher Devon Frazier.

Though designed to provide a positive male mentor toward teen boys who do not have a father at home, it will be open to both boys and girls who would like to have a discussion with a father figure about “real issues” such as dealing with bullies, overcoming low self-esteem and boosting self-confidence.

Real Men Talk is recruiting adult men willing to volunteer to mentor youth beginning this fall. If interested, contact Roy L. Williams, Birmingham Public Library Public Relations Director, at (205) 226-3746 or email rlwilliams@bham.lib.al.us.

Through Real Men Talk, BPL desires to partner with organizations that already provide services for young people and churches desiring to partner with BPL to mentor youth who visit BPL's 19 libraries after school.