Central Library Invites Patrons to Take Photo at Be The “I” In Kind Wall

 

Gelenda Norman of the Central Library came up with the Be the "I" in Kind Wall. 

Gelenda Norman|Library Assistant III, Central Library Arts, Literature, & Sports Department 

Birmingham, Ala.- With so much going on in this world – violence, illnesses, injustice, unemployment, etc. – kindness seems to get lost in the chaos.

Inspired by a pin on Pinterest, I decided to recreate this idea to encourage genuine kindness towards one another and to become aware of the kindness that lies within each of us. 

Here at the Birmingham Public Library, the act of showing kindness to patrons and one another lies at the heart and within the culture of this system. When patrons and staff stop on the 2nd Floor of the Central Library while climbing the stairs, they are greeted with the BE THE “I” IN KIND wall. 

This wall is designed to encourage patrons (and staff) to show kindness towards others, as well as be open to receive kindness.

We want you to take a moment and breathe (sometimes you have to catch your breath after climbing that 1st flight of stairs) and be reflective of the times that you showed kindness to someone or when someone showed kindness to you. 

Amid reflecting on those memories, you should feel the corners of your mouth, automatically turn up and produce a smile!

Because kindness is interactive, we would love for you to stand in front of the green square and BE THE “I” IN KIND.

Have someone to take a picture, ask a staff member if needed. Post it on your social media page and tag us on Facebook @BirminghamPublicLibrary and Instagram @bplpics. You are welcome to email them to Gelenda.Norman@cobpl.org. 

Amelia Maxwell, a UAB student working this spring at the Central Library.

Now, when you walk onto the 2nd Floor of the Central Library, remember to BE THE “I” IN KIND and spread it!

Note: Remember patrons inside the Birmingham Public Library are required to wear masks and to practice socially distancing.