Central Library Reopening Procedures Now on BPL Website

With the Central Library now reopened for in-person services as of October 1, 2020, the Birmingham Public Library website has added a link with all the information you need to know before coming in.

Click here for details or read below: http://www.cobpl.org/locations/central/COVID-19.aspx 

 Central In-Person Service Hours

Monday through Friday – 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 

The Central Library will open all public service floors (one through three) in the East Building for limited in-person service initially beginning October 1, 2020. 

The BPL Research Library adjacent to the East Building will remain closed except by appointment only to the Southern History Department (205-226-3665) and the BPL Archives Department. (205-226-3630)

 In-Person Services Offered at Central Library Include:

• Ability to browse (all public service floors in East Building) and check out materials

• Special browsing collection of popular new library materials (books & DVDs) will be available on the 1st floor of the Central Library East Building 

• Access to public computers and print services

• Ability to return materials (interior and exterior book drop).

 Exterior book drops are also open at Avondale Regional Branch Library, Springville Road Branch Library, and Five Points West Regional Branch Library 

• Pick up holds

 

• Curbside Pickup service

 • Apply for a library card

 • Receive assistance with library account 

• Self-serve photocopy service

 • Fax service

 • Notary Service (205-226-3600) 

• Passport application service - by appointment (205-226-3600) 

• Southern History Department (205-226-3665)  open by appointment only

• BPL Archives Department. (205-226-3630) open by appointment only

Policies for Operating In-Person Services at Central Library during COVID-19 

The Birmingham Public Library will continue operating under the approved City of Birmingham Policies and Protocols of COVID-19. (Adopted on August 11, 2020) 

1. Central East Building capacity is limited to 100 patrons/visitors.

 2. Face coverings are required for entry.

 3. Visitors are encouraged to limit visits to 1 hour.

 4. Public computers will be available for 1 hour with no extensions.

 5. Visitors are encouraged to practice social distancing by maintaining a 6-ft. space between individuals. 

6. No luggage or over-sized bags will be allowed. This includes large plastic bags, duffle bags, bed rolls, etc.

 7. Water fountains are not available for use. 

8. No food or beverages are allowed with the exception of individual size bottled water.

 9. No seating will be available except for public computer work stations. No sitting on the floor, tables, stairs, stage, or window ledges. 

10. Meeting rooms are not available for public use. 

11. The library will continue following the City of Birmingham Curfew Law. Any youth under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian if the Birmingham City Schools are in session (in-person or virtual). 

12. The library recommends that all children visit the library with their parent or guardian. Children under the age of 10 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

Things You Can Do to Use BPL Services From Home 

• Get a library card - call 205-226-3600 or apply online.

• Search the catalog and place holds or browse 

 • Schedule Curbside Pickup.

 • Check out e-books, audiobooks, stream movies, listen to music, or read a magazine

• Email us for assistance 

• Check out our virtual programs for Adults, Teens, and Kids.

• Download our BPL app - use it to view your account, place holds, and more..

New BPL Curbside Pickup Hours:

CENTRAL – 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday 

AVONDALE –  9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays

FIVE POINTS WEST –  9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Thursdays 

SPRINGVILLE ROAD -  9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesdays