Birmingham Public Library Blog

As we near the end of December, the staff at the Birmingham Public Library share one last assortment of book recommendations and holiday recipes. What better way to spend the final days of 2022 than by cooking, eating, and reading?

Martin Luther King Jr . Day is a national holiday that celebrates the life and legacy of the famous civil rights leader. It takes place on the third Monday of January based on his birthday (January 15). King won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his nonviolent civil disobedience to improve the lives of black Americans. His life and work continue to be celebrated long after his death in 1968.

As 2022 comes to a close, many of us are looking toward the new year with an eye on personal improvement. With the hustle and bustle of the holidays winding down and the long, cold span of winter looming, now is as good a time as any to take charge of those aspects of our lives that could use a little tune up. 

Holiday Happenings are coming to an end here at the  Birmingham Public Library ! Thank you for celebrating with us, and we hope you enjoyed all the fun festivities. But Holiday Happenings are not over yet! There are still several programs happening this week across 6 library locations, like movie marathons, board games, a Kwanzaa celebration, and a DNA ancestry program. Keep reading to see what is happing at the BPL this week!

The Birmingham Public Library hopes our patrons have found time to read or listen to some of the books and music albums recommended by our patrons and staff this month. We certainly welcome your comments and feedback !

  Coping With Holiday Stress Image from National Alliance on Mental Health  Birmingham, Ala. - If your stress levels are rising as Christmas and New Year's Day approaches, you are not alone. According to a recent survey by the American Psychological Association, 38% of people surveyed said they feel more stressed during the holiday season.  Higher stress can lead to physical illness including high blood pressure and strokes, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.  In a Q &A with the Birmingham Public Library, two Birmingham mental health experts – Shekinah Joy Lee and Dr. Tami Mayes Long - share tips on how to handle mental health and stress during the holidays.  Dr. Long recently led a workshop on mental health during the holidays for the Personnel Board of Jefferson County. Shekinah Joy Lee shared tips on reducing stress during a November 18 “Be Gentle with Black Girls” event held at the North Birmingham Regional Library.   Meet Our Professional...

The staff at the Birmingham Public Library are excited to enter the third week of sharing recipes with loyal patrons. If you have prepared any of the festive eats from the previous two blogs, we welcome your feedback and photographs !

As it gets colder and the sun sets earlier and earlier, read some winter poetry to find some solace. I love seasonal poetry, as it offers a unique connection between the poet and the reader. We can find peace in knowing that our feelings are not ours alone but have been shared for centuries.

The last  Birmingham Public Library's   Holiday Happenings 2022  highlight is on the Five Points West Regional Branch Library ! Programs are still happening across our  14 active BPL locations , so please read our other blogs (linked below) and visit our calendar to see the other programs the BPL is offering.  

  Christmas is around the corner as Holiday Happenings enter the third week at 14 Birmingham Public Library locations. Today's spotlight is on the Southside Branch Library , which is has  Make Grab N' Go Holiday Crafts  available for pickup throughout December   and will begin celebrating   Kwanzaa  beginning Wednesday, December 28.    The Birmingham Public Library is hosting 86 different holiday programs and activities  ( pdf ) to help patrons of all ages get in a festive, joyous mood all month long.  Read below to learn more about holiday programs taking place at Southside Library.  Southside Branch Library, 1814 11th Avenue S Grab N’ Go: Holiday Hand Wreath  Through Thursday, 22, from 9:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m. This family Grab N’ Go Kit will bring together the family to create a unique holiday hand wreath that can be hung in the home or even on the front door. What makes it so unique is that you will trace your hands or ...

The  Birmingham Public Library's   Holiday Happenings  has some exciting programs planned next week! Today we're highlighting the ones happening at the Central Library downtown. Make sure to check out our other Holiday Happening blogs highlighting more than 80 programs happening across  14 active BPL locations .

The staff at the Birmingham Public Library (BPL) hope patrons enjoyed reading our music and book reviews last week . Perhaps you discovered one or two new titles to add to your reading and music lists! We invite you to share your own favorite books, films, and music with the BPL. Please send your recommendations to BPL.Development@cobpl.org and we'll include them in our series of Season's Readings blogs this month. 

What: The Birmingham Public Library Presents Free Tutoring, Literacy & Homework Help When: January 17-May 4, 2023, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Where : Central Library , 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203 Tutoring Open House, Tours, Pre-registration, Q & A  When: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Between Monday, December 19 and Wednesday, December 21, 2022 Where: Central Library, 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203  Birmingham, Ala. - The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) has received grant funding to provide year-long free tutoring services for 2nd and 3rd grade students in the Birmingham City School System during 2023.  Support for this free tutoring was provided by a $29,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham . BPL is also partnering with the Birmingham Promise , which will provide tutors. The tutoring will cover literacy and homework assistance. BPL will host a BPL Tutoring Open House for 2nd and 3rd grade students and their parents/guardians from...

The staff at the  Birmingham Public Library (BPL) hope patrons enjoyed perusing, and perhaps preparing, the recipes that we shared last week. We had lots of fun compiling them and welcome your feedback! Patrons are invited to send their own favorite holiday recipes to BPL.Development@cobpl.org. Submissions will be published on the BPL's website and social media throughout December.

We're one week away from the holiday break! Celebrate with the  Birmingham Public Library's   Holiday Happenings . There are holiday celebrations for several major holidays with more than 80 programs happening across  14 active BPL locations .

When I was a little kid, one of my favorite things in the world was when my Highlights Magazine came every month. It was filled with stories and puzzles and the ever-entertaining Goofus and Gallant. But the thing that always interested me the most was the craft. I loved making the monthly craft. 

  Avondale Regional Library is kicking off its second week of holiday programs for patrons of all ages today, from "reindeer games" all week for youth to "grab n go" crafts and Holiday Oragami for adults.  You can drop by Avondale Regional Library for over a dozen activities all month long.  In all,  The Birmingham Public Library is hosting 86 different holiday programs and activities  ( pdf ) to help patrons of all ages get in a festive, joyous mood during December. Read below to learn more about the holiday programs taking place at Avondale  Regional Library right now ( you can also learn more by looking at the BPL calendar ) 2022 BPL Holiday Happenings Avondale Regional Branch Library, 509 40th Street S  Youth programs  Reindeer Games  Monday, December 12—Wednesday, 21 Deck the halls with reindeer training Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la. Tis the season to be playing Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la. Don we now our deer apparel Fa-la-la-la-la, la-l...

Titusville Library Branch Manager Reba Williams won the 2022 JCPLA Librarian of the Year.   Titusville Library Branch Manager Reba Williams this week (December 6) was named by the Jefferson County Public Library Association as winner of its 2022 JCPLA Librarian of The Year Award.  The award is given by the JCPLA, (whose members include employees of  nearly 40 county libraries), to celebrate the accomplishments of exceptional individuals or organizations who have made a significant contribution to the field of librarianship in Jefferson County.   Librarians are nominated by their staff within the Jefferson County. This year, JCPLA received several nominations before selecting Williams as the winner. The awards luncheon was held Tuesday at the Homewood Public Library. "I am grateful to be recognized with this year’s Librarian of the Year Award," Williams said. "I am so thankful to my peers who nominated me for this honor. I also want to voice my gratitude to Dr. ...

The Birmingham Public Library's Holiday Happenings enters its second full week of events next week. There are more than 80 programs happening across  14 active BPL locations  with some programs offered all month long. Pratt City Branch Library has some great ones coming up next week that we are highlighting in this blog. Keep reading to see what they're offering next week. 

The staff of the  Birmingham Public Library (BPL)  express warm gratitude to the patrons that have educated, inspired, and motivated us in 2022. This December, we'd like to share some of our favorite seasonal recipes and best-loved books with our loyal patrons.

Springville Road Regional Library's 2022 holiday events kicked off with an open house and free gingerbread house decorating kits available for pickup. Get a jump start on your holiday weekend by joining the library, located at 1224 Old Springville Road tomorrow for Festive Film Friday, beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 9.  Watch a  holiday-themed film and enjoy snacks with Springville Road Library staff.     Read below for more details on 15 holiday programs Springville Road Library is holding this month. They are among over 80 holiday programs BPL is hosting throughout December. See the full list of activities and programs by clicking here on the BPL calendar.    Springville Road Regional Branch Library, 1224 Old Springville Road  Win a Free Gingerbread House Decorating Kit, beginning December 1  Help the Gingerbread Man escape! Decorate him/her to look like your favorite book character. Pick up your Gingerbread Man template from...

SEASON'S READINGS & FESTIVE EATING The staff of the Birmingham Public Library (BPL) express heartfelt gratitude to the patrons that have educated, inspired, and motivated us in 2022. This December, we'd like to share some of our favorite seasonal recipes and best-loved books with our loyal patrons.

Is your child fascinated by "animes"? Then make plans now to join Smithfield Branch Library today, Thursday, December 8, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. for the second installment of "Anime-nia," a weekly  program on Thursday afternoons during December allowing youth to watch animes old and new. Anime-nia is among more than 80 holiday programs taking place at 14 Birmingham Public Library locations all month long.     So what is an anime? If your child has ever watched the popular series Pokemon , you've seen an anime.  Animes are a specific style of animation produced or inspired by Japanese animated shows.  Pichu from Pokemon Read below to find out more about Smithfield Library's Anime-nia and other holiday programs happening at the library throughout December. Smithfield Branch is located at #1 8th Avenue West. Click on the BPL calendar to see a full list of holiday activities and other programs taking place at our 18 libraries all across Birmingham.  ...

  Put Holiday puzzles together at West End Branch. Do you love working on puzzles? If so, then the West End Branch Library needs your help.  The library is attempting to put together two holiday-themed jigsaw puzzles during the month of December. Please stop by any day during library opening hours to put some pieces in place. West End Library is located at 1348 Tuscaloosa Avenue SW. For more information, call (205) 226-4089. Earlier this year, West End Library Puzzle Club was formed for patrons who love putting puzzles together.   

Holiday Happenings are happening at the Birmingham Public Library  (BPL)! With more than 80 programs across 14 active BPL locations , we're highlighting these programs daily so our patrons don't miss out on all the fun.  Today we're highlighting programs at two of our branches: Powderly Branch Library and North Avondale Branch Library. 

Smithfield's Sequoria Lewis Smithfield Branch Manager Sequoria Lewis is hosting her 2nd Toys for Tots Drive at Smithfield Library . This year she had 2 more sponsors to join in the celebration of Christmas in hopes that they would exceed last years’ 47 families that benefited from the Toys for Tots program. “I was very excited to have been chosen as a partner last year," Sequoria said. "Because the community got the word out, people wanted to join in and help. They (sponsors) started calling in November asking if we would do again this year. They admonished me not to forget about them." Lewis said she is excited to see if she can top last year's inaugural Smithfield Library Toys for Tots Drive. “I have always had a heart for giving to people because of my upbringing," Lewis said. "I was once the 'less fortunate child' so this holds a special place in my heart. We have many who still struggle with the effects of the now passing pandemic. This is ...

Looking for fun things to do during this Christmas season? Over 80 holiday programs and activities are under way at 14 Birmingham Public Library locations during the month of December. BPL's PR Department is posting daily spotlights on some of our branches and regional libraries  hosting programs. Our first feature is on West End , Woodlawn and Wylam Branches.  Among the highlights: enjoy holiday music and free food tonight from 6:30 to 8 at West End Branch, 1348 Tuscaloosa Avenue SW, for its annual  West End Christmas Spectacular.   West End Branch Library, 1348 Tuscaloosa Avenue SW  Holiday Recipes Monday,  December 12 & December 19   Pick up a pie or cake recipe each week. Enjoy baking them during the holiday season for your friends and family. Christmas Spectacular  Tuesday, December 6, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Join us for the annual West End Christmas Spectacular. Plenty of food and entertainment will be provided. Community members ...

What: The Word Up! Festival, a poetry slam featuring high school students from all 7 Birmingham High Schools Who : The Flourish Alabama in partnership with Birmingham Public Library to host the 2022 Word Up! Festival. The Flourish Alabama is a local arts and arts education nonprofit organization dedicated to helping artists Bloom. When: Preliminary Rounds begin at 5:00 pm, followed by the Final Round (featuring the top 4 schools) at 7:00 p.m. Where: The Central Library, 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, Ala. 35203 About the Event: This festival is a culmination of The Flourish's Word Up! Program, a city-wide poetry competition featuring high school students from across Birmingham. The public is invited to attend this free event to cheer on the young student poets. ADDITION: Jermaine FunnyMaine Johnson will be a guest judge for the final round. Birmingham, Ala. – Come see the top poets from Birmingham’s seven high schools compete for $5,000 in cash prizes at the 2022 Word Up! Festiv...

  BPL Deputy Director Ka'ryn Davis-West, center, with Regional Managers Bessie Miller, left, and Loretta Jones. Birmingham, Ala. – The Birmingham Public Library Board of Trustees has appointed Ka’ryn Davis-West, a 30-year veteran employee of the Birmingham Public Library,  as BPL’s new deputy director. She replaces Janine Langston, who was named BPL Executive Director in December 2021. Davis’ promotion was announced during the BPL Board of Trustees meeting on November 8, 2022. Davis, who epitomizes the City of Birmingham’s focus on “putting people first” and BPL’s commitment to providing quality library services for patrons, is excited about her new role.  BPL Executive Director Janine Langston said, “Ka’ryn has been a valuable member of the BPL team for many years, and I congratulate her on this well-deserved appointment as Deputy Director. I look forward to serving together as we lead BPL forward and help it grow in new and innovative ways.” A native of Mobile, Davi...

  Central Library is hosting Women of the Montgomery Bus Boycott exhibit . Monday, December, 5, 2022, is the 67th anniversary of the start of the  Montgomery Bus Boycott, one of the most significant civil rights protests in U.S. history.  To learn more about the movement, drop by the  Central Library in downtown Birmingham, 2100 Park Place, to view the "Women of the Montgomery Bus Boycott" exhibit .  The exhibit will be available for viewing on the first floor of the Central Library through December 6 during library hours. On loan from  Troy University's Rosa Parks Museum , Women of the Montgomery Bus Boycott" utilizes oral history interviews, digitized archival material and court documents to tell the heroic stories of Jo Ann Robinson, Aurelia Browder, Claudette Colvin, Mary Louise Smith, Lucille Times, Susie McDonald, Virginia Durr, Georgia Gilmore, Coretta Schott King, Juanita Abernathy, Juliette Hampton Morgan and Jean Graetz. Important grassroots polit...