Birmingham Public Library Blog

Through the month of September, all public libraries in Jefferson County will be participating in a food drive that helps support local charities by replenishing food pantries in anticipation of the coming holidays. How does it work? One dollar in fines will be waived for each canned or boxed food item donated in September for up to $10 per library card holder. The donations will be applied to fines only, not lost/damaged materials. Expiration dates must be visible and legible on all items; expired food will not be accepted. When and where can donations be made? Donations will be accepted at the circulation desks of all 40 Jefferson County libraries during September 2019. Visit the Public Libraries in Jefferson County's website for more information and for a list of suggested food items to donate.              Watch a video for details on Food for Fines Food for Fines is held in conjunction with the annual National Library Card Sign-Up Month. There is n

Bryan Orzco Zarco and Rosa Espinoza, first couple to get marriage application notarized at BPL Due to the new Alabama marriage application law that went into effect Thursday, August 29, 2019, the Birmingham Public Library is expecting a spike in demand for its notary services . The new law no longer requires a couple to apply for a marriage license at their local probate court. Instead, they have to complete the Alabama Marriage Certificate form, have it notarized, and turn it in to the probate court within 30 days of completion. Once the certificate is recorded, you are considered married. The new marriage certificate requires two notary stamps so the cost to notarize the form at BPL is $10. Cheryl Burgess assists Bryan Orzco Zarco and Rosa Espinoza, first couple to get a marriage application notarized at BPL Cheryl Burgess of the Central Library notarized BPL’s first marriage application August 29, shortly after 12:00 p.m. The newly married couple is Bryan Orzco

Event : Downton Abbey Celebration Tea Place : Avondale Public Library Auditorium Date : September 14, 2019 Time : 1:00 p.m. You are invited to attend a celebration tea at Avondale Public Library , in the auditorium on Saturday, September 14 @ 1:00 to celebrate all seasons of Downton Abbey. The Downton Abbey Movie will premiere in North America on September 20. We can't wait! The movie will pick up in the fall of 1927 and includes a royal visit, a bit of sibling rivalry, romance, intrigue and, of course, spectacular costumes, and even a few tiaras. We will have tea, enjoy delicious treats, discuss our favorite episodes, talk about our favorite characters and answer trivia questions based on seasons 1-6. Costume is encouraged but not required. Prizes will be awarded to the trivia winners. We hope to see you there dressed in your Downton best! Please send an email to ldeason@bham.lib.al.us with the subject line “Downton Abbey Tea ” to register for this event.

LRNG Program Manager Tish Fletcher teaches money management to Holy Family Cristo Rey students. LRNG is committed to building work and learn pathways for students in Birmingham. On Thursday, August 29, LRNG's program manager, Tish Fletcher, introduced Holy Family Cristo Rey High School students interning at the Central Library to the learning platform and their career readiness playlists. Student Leandro Felips said, "LRNG is helpful and today I learned how check cashing places operate. Now in the future I will know how to pick a bank and manage my money...no more spending it all at Starbucks." In 2018, Southern New Hampshire University and LRNG, two of the most innovative educational organizations in the nation, merged to build a learning and workforce solution for cities and employers across the U.S.

Voice Porter, host of Bards & Brews Voice Porter, longtime host of Bards & Brews, the Birmingham Public Library's spoken word poetry/craft beer event, has been featured in Starbucks Coffee Stories & News. The feature details Porter's growing notoriety in the spoken word field in metro Birmingham and across Alabama. See link to Voice Porter''s story here. Under the format, Starbucks walks up to perfect strangers sitting in a Starbucks and asks if they will share their story. The company has hit the road to find out and is posting the stories on their website.   Come see Voice Porter in person at 6:30 p.m. next Friday, September 6, as Bards & Brews returns to Iron City Grill on Birmingham's Southside. Nearly 90 people attended the Bards poetry event held at Iron City Grill on August 2.  Voice Porter during August Bards & Brews at Iron City Grill Join us for an unforgettable night featuring many of metro Birmingham's best spok

Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging. If you or someone you know is affected by Alzheimer's disease or dementia, it's time to learn the facts. On Wednesday, September 4, from noon to 1:00 p.m., West End Branch Library is hosting Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia. Attendees will learn valuable information on detection, causes and risk factors, plus stages of the disease, treatment options, and much more. The class is being taught by prevention expert Rev. Dr. Tremain Davis. The program is the second offered at the Birmingham Public Library to help prevent the dreaded memory lost disease that afflicts the aging. Statistics show Alabama has one of the highest numbers f Alzheimer’s victims in the nation. Brain Jam, a Springville Road Regional Branch Library program designed to stimulate the minds of senior citizens, was one of five finalists for a $1,000 grant from the Awesome Foundation Birmingham. Kelly Laney, the founder of the Brain Jam progr

First Floor Rendering of Central Library Monumental Stairs Project A start date has been set for the Central Library  Monumental Construction Project. Monday, September 16, is the official start date for a winding staircase to replace escalators in the downtown Central East Building that have been broken down since December 2014 . On Monday, August 26, the Birmingham Public Library Board of Trustees approved notice to proceed with construction. Taylor & Miree  of Mountain Brook won a bid to be construction contractor; Creig Hoskins of Birmingham is serving as architect. In July BPL released images of what the Central Library Monumental Stairs Project replacing the escalators will look like once completed. Stay tuned for more photos and information over the next few months as the project construction begins. The stair project is expected to take four months or so, with estimated completion projected for early 2020.

Yolanda Hardy, regional manager, Kelly Laney, center, with a fellow Awesome Foundation finalist Brain Jam, a Springville Road Regional Branch Library program designed to stimulate the minds of senior citizens, was a finalist for a $1,000 grant in Birmingham. Kelly Laney, adult services librarian at Springville Road Regional Library who came up with the idea for Brain Jam, was among five finalists selected by Awesome Foundation Birmingham. Laney and the other four finalists made five-minute pitches before the judges August 26 at Carrigan's Public House  brewery downtown on Morris Avenue. The winner selected by the Awesome Foundation judges was Perfect Punctuality, a program at Minor Community School in western Jefferson County that rewards students with perfect attendance at the K-8 school. Besides Brain Jam and Perfect Punctuality, the other three finalists were Coosa Riverkeepers, Our Firm Foundation, a mentoring program at Inglenook K-8 School, and Project Open Mic

By Mary Anne Ellis, Southern History Department , Central Library The Great Galveston Disaster Paul Lester With an introduction by Richard Spillane As we enter the most active period of hurricane season, weather services have stepped up advisories to prepare for stronger storms, be aware of evacuation routes, and take threatening weather seriously. With our current notification tools and computer models, we can see a hurricane forming far in advance. But imagine yourself as a resident of Galveston, Texas, in September of 1900, when there was no Weather Channel , no radar, no James Spann or Jim Cantore. With hardly any warning or time to prepare, the residents of Galveston were engulfed by a storm that holds the record as the worst natural disaster in U.S. history. There have been many books about the hurricane, but few have the immediacy of The Great Galveston Disaster , which was published in 1900 shortly after the storm and contains numerous eyewitness accounts and photograp

What:  Citizen Services – How to Get Unstuck out of a Rut seminar When: Saturday, September 7, 11:45 a.m.–1:45 p.m. Where:   Central Library /Linn-Henley Research Library/ Regional Library Computer Center /4th floor Details:  Hosted by Sophia Hampton, educator and Magic City Toastmaster . Free but registration required. Is your life filled with stress, worry, and anxiety? Are you tired of being sick and tired, feeling stuck with no way out? You’ve been down so long until getting up hasn’t crossed your mind. This seminar is sure to give you the boost that you need to get unstuck out of a rut. By attending this seminar you will: Become familiar with the signs of being in a rut and walk away feeling empowered and prepared to get unstuck. Discover ways of how to get from where you are to where you want to be. Develop insight into the crutches that are keeping you in the stuck position. Learn fun ways to boost your self-esteem and self-confidence and reignite your passions.

As Tom Petty so sagely wailed, "The wai-aiting is the hardest part!" That's true about love, and especially true about a book we really want to read that's checked out. But with Libby's "estimated wait time" feature, you can at least know how long the wait is going to be. In Libby, just click on the calendar icon to learn how long the wait time is, how many copies are in use, and how many people are waiting. Learn more about Libby at https://jclc.overdrive.com .

LearningExpress Library is a very extensive digital library of information covering everything from career preparation to computer instruction. Features include ACT and SAT prep, ebooks to prepare for occupation exams, video tutorials for Microsoft Office, GED preparation, skills improvement for elementary school through high school, preparation for graduate school exams, and more.      The part of the database designed especially for students is called the School Center. It provides “skill-building resources for classroom and homework success.”   The School Center has a module for elementary, middle, and high school.   The elementary school module has resources for mathematics skills improvement and English language arts skills improvement.   The middle school module includes these resources as well as social studies skills improvement and high school entrance exams preparation.   The high school module includes mathematics, English language arts, and social studies as w

What: Let’s Talk about Medicare: Questions and Answers When: First Thursday of each month Time: 12:00–1:00 p.m. Where: Birmingham Public Library – Central Library /Linn-Henley Research Library/4th floor/Regional Library Computer Center (RLCC) If you have questions about Medicare, you are not alone. As a health insurance program administered by the federal government, Medicare is laden with many policies, procedures, and guidelines that can be very confusing for the average American consumer. Who is eligible for Medicare? What kind of coverage does it provide? Is there more than one plan available? How much does it cost? When should I enroll? These are just some of the important questions that everyone needs answered in order to help them make good, informed decisions about their healthcare coverage. Not getting accurate and up-to-date answers to these questions can mean missing out on valuable benefits that you and your loved ones are entitled to claim. If you would

Coffee Conversation and Crafts at Springville Road Regional Library The Birmingham Public Library has started a new feature highlighting the many innovative, fun and educational programs offered every week at our 19 locations across the City of Birmingham. This week's spotlight is Springville Road Regional Branch Library 's adult programs , which attract adults of all ages and backgrounds every week. Here is a listing of programs for adults being offered at Springville Road Library from Monday, August 26 through Friday, August 30: Monday, August 26  * Coffee, Conversation and Crafts, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.  This is a community building and crafting program held every Monday except holidays. All craft materials and instructions are provided, but you may also bring your own projects to work on while enjoying the company and light refreshments. You do not have to work on anything if you prefer; just come visit and chat. * Body Changers, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Bo

Have you tried knitting or crocheting with a group of people instead of doing it all alone? It is a completely different experience when you get to chat with people, starting a new project or continuing something you have started, then expanding to topics you are not so familiar with, or techniques you are not that skillful at, you may end up teaching others a thing or two. Join us at the Central Library downtown on Saturday, September 7, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., for the debut of Yarn Club @ BPL. Yarn Club is open to crafters at all skill levels. The club will meet once a month on every second Saturday afternoon from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. in the Central Library's First Floor Conference Room. The Yarn Club will have the newest knitting/crocheting magazines and books on hand, plus a computer available in case you need to watch a live demo on YouTube. We have yarns to get you started and instructors for some sessions to help patrons tackle challenging techniques. So what would y

What: Magic City Toastmasters Open House Reception When: Monday, August 26, 6:00–7:30 p.m. Where: Central Library /First Floor Conference Room Details: Free and open to the public. For more information contact 205-215-0220 or 404-543-0054. On Monday, August 26, the Magic City Toastmasters cordially invites you to attend their open house reception at the Central Library. The event will be an opportunity to learn about the Magic City Toastmasters, meet local professionals, and learn ways to become a more effective public speaker with the "Steps to Better Presentations" discussion.

By Fontaine Alison, Five Points West Regional Branch Library I’ve always said I was someone who never wins prizes, but this summer proved me wrong when I won the drawing for the 2019 Staff Summer Learning prize: a Samsung Galaxy tablet! Isn’t it great when something you enjoy doing has so many benefits? Fontaine Alison, storyteller at the Five Points West Library, compares her new Samsung Galaxy to her phone When my sister Olivia was in first grade, she would come home and play “school” with me, so I learned to read at age 4. It didn’t take me long to realize that being a reader got me noticed—quite the cachet for a middle child. Later, reading was also a great way to avoid chores. Mama never liked seeing an idle child: she would find something for us to do. But I discovered that reading could pass for “homework” as long as she didn’t notice I was reading yet another book in Walter Farley ’s Black Stallion series. I went on to study literature in college, but these days

By Andrei Jones, Five Points West Regional Branch Library Who Would Win?: Polar Bear vs. Grizzly Bear Written by Jerry Pallotta Illustrated by Rob Bolster I love animals, and this new animal series caught my eye. Polar Bear vs. Grizzly Bear describes what would happen if two somewhat similar animals would somehow meet and engage in a fight. The book lists interesting details about each animal. For example, did you know that all polar bears are left-handed?   This book gives a brief description of each animal, the scientific name, and any special characteristics that would help that animal win in a fight against its chosen opponent. I read Polar Bear vs.Grizzly Bear , but there are several other fight books in the Who Would Win series. Reading this book was an amazingly fun and interesting way to learn about specific animal facts and to find out who would win in a possible fight between two chosen animals. Check out this book and others in the series  that may pique your curi

By Jim Murray, Business, Science and Technology Department, Central Library What: The State Wins Documentary Film Premiere When: Saturday, August 24, 2019 Time: 1:00–2:30pm Where: Birmingham Public Library – Central Library /Linn-Henley Research Library/Arrington Auditorium/4th floor Football season is right around the corner, and, in Alabama, that’s like having your birthday, Christmas, and the 4th of July all rolled into one. What’s that? You’re not familiar with the anticipation and excitement that grips all residents of the Heart of Dixie at this time of year? Well, that is just unacceptable. Not having an adequate understanding of the place football holds in the heritage of our state is certainly a dangerous symptom of cultural illiteracy and must be attended to immediately. Fortunately, a remedy is available in the form of the documentary film The State Wins , which is directed by local Birmingham filmmaker Sonya “Sam” Mitchell. The film will make its public p

City of Birmingham police officers and Jefferson County sheriff's deputies put their lives on the line every day to protect citizens in our neighborhoods, schools, libraries, parks, and other places. To show their appreciation for Birmingham's Men and Women in Blue, the Central Library Youth Department is hosting a new program called Coffee with Cops: Teen Edition. Police officers and deputies are invited to join our teens at the Central Library Youth Department's Create205 Learning Lab for free coffee on Wednesday, August 21, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Another Coffee with Cops: Teen Edition will also be held at the Central Library on Wednesday, October 23, 3:30–4:30 p.m. For more information, call 205-226-3655 or visit www.bplonline.org.

Slime Lab is one of several new programs being offered at Smithfield Branch Library.  With school back in session, the Smithfield Branch Library has several new programs to entertain Birmingham students who drop in after school  this fall. The library also has several new workshops to help adult patrons looking for a job or needing help sprucing up their resume. Here is a listing of programs being offered at Smithfield Library in August and beyond: Job Hunting Class for Adults, August 19, 11:00 a.m. On August 19 the Smithfield Branch Library is kicking off a new monthly class for patrons looking for jobs. The class will take place at 11:00 a.m. on the third Monday every month. Participants will use Google's platform to search and apply for jobs. NBA 2K19 Basketball Tournament, August 23, 3:30 p.m. Smithfield Library is hosting a fun event allowing young gaming enthusiasts to show off their NBK 2K19 skills. Free but advanced registration is required by August 22 at

Beat the Heat at the Library By Lynn Hutchins, Central Library Where do you go when you need somewhere cool to visit? Why don’t you head over to your local library? Here are seven cool ways to beat the heat at the library: Find a quiet spot to read – All branches have newspapers, magazines, and plenty of books. Use a computer – Browse the internet, learn a new skill, or conduct a job search. These are just a few ways to use the library’s computers. Research your family history – You can use our genealogy databases for researching your family tree. Drop by our Southern History Department at the Central Library to ask a genealogy question and get help from our library staff. Take a class or attend a lecture – The library has so many interesting and informative programs. Visit bplonline.org to find the right one for you. Find a new hobby – Learn a new craft at the library. Make some art, relax, have some fun, or even play some games. Check out books – Ask a library sta

By Alisha Johnson, Ensley Branch Library If you are like me, you are always seeking new avenues to make your money work for you. Traditionally, starting a savings account has been the tried-and-true way to save a few coins, but over the years there have been a number of online investment strategies developed to help you do just that. If you are feeling a bit unsure of where to start, there are a few online options to give you the nudge you need. Acorns – Uses “roundups” to invest when you make purchases by using your debit card allowing access to one portfolio offering Robinhood – Works like Acorns but allows for diverse portfolio options Stash – Deals with individual stocks no diverse portfolios Analyze your financial situation, do a bit of research and discover which investment strategies work best for you. Check out these resources at your local library! Investing 101: From Stocks and Bonds to ETFs and IPOs, an Essential Primer on Building a Profitable Portfolio by

When : Saturday, August 24, 10:00 a.m-12:00 p.m. Where: Avondale Regional Branch Library  About the lecture: Jim Baggett, BPL archivist, helps researchers and authors from across the globe do civil rights and other research for books using Birmingham Public Library's extensive archives collection. He will share tips on how BPL can help them in a talk titled “Getting in Their Heads: Using Archives to Understand Ordinary People in the Past” Jim Baggett, BPL Archivist, with his 2019 Eminent Librarian Award from ALA The Birmingham Public Library’s Local Author Lectures series concludes on Saturday, August 24, 10:00 a.m., at  Avondale Library  when BPL Archivist Jim Baggett speaks on the topic "Getting in Their Heads: Using Archives to Understand Ordinary People in the Past ." Baggett helps researchers and authors from across the globe do civil rights and other research for books and papers using BPL’s extensive archives collection. He will share tips on ho