Birmingham Public Library Blog

Highlighting transgender accomplishments and history. Graphic design by Cheyenne Trujillo. Today (Thursday, March 31) is the International Transgender Day of Visibility . People across the world are celebrating genderqueer identities and raising awareness of transgender issues. Join in on the celebration with these 10 books offering different perspectives from the transgender and gender-diverse community! 

  Happy April Fools! Flyer design by Lisa Mitchell. What:  Bards & Brews Poetry Slam When:  Thursday, March 31, 2022, 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Where:   Cahaba Brewing Co ., 4500 5th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35222 Details:  10 talented spoken word artists will compete for $350 in cash prizes ($200 1st place, $100 2nd, $50) in the Birmingham Public Library's second Bards & Brews poetry slam of 2022. On-site registration begins at 6:30 p.m. and poetry begins to flow at 7:00 p.m. $5 registration fee required for participating poets. Free admission. Must be 18 to enter and 21 or older to drink beer at Cahaba Brewing Co.   Bards & Brews is sponsored by the Alabama State Council on the Arts . Birmingham, Ala. -  Have you ever been to a spoken word poetry slam? Join us at Cahaba Brewing Co . from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 31, for the  Birmingham Public Library ’s second Bards & Brews  Poetry Slam of 2022.  The slam is limited to the first 10 poets to sign up

"Prayer Warriors" was created by renowned Birmingham artist Steve Skipper and depicts Alabama and Auburn football players praying after the classic 1994 Iron Bowl at Legion Field  won by the Tide .  Birmingham, Ala. -  A framed drawing of a classic 1994 Iron Bowl scene of Alabama and Auburn football players praying together is among items being auctioned of at  A Novel Tasting ,  the Birmingham Public Library's April 7 fundraiser. This inaugural event being held between 6:00 and 8:30 p.m. at the Central Library will feature a tasting of craft beers, wine, and spirits. It features  cryptic corks , a  silent auction , a VIP reception, catered food and live music.  "Prayer Warriors" was created by  Steve Skipper,  a Birmingham artist who has drawn historic paintings that have been sold across the globe. The painting that will be auctioned off is a print about 21 inches by 26 inches. It depicts players including Alabama quarterback Jay Barker and Auburn receiver Fra

  Smithfield Branch Library is among BPL locations participating in the City of Birmingham Division of Youth Services (DYS) Page Pals program.  Page Pals is a reading-based incentive program hosted by DYS to help produce more effective student readers both inside and outside the classroom. Smithfield Library, #1 8th Court West, holds its Page Pals  program from 4:00-5:00 p.m. on Mondays, said Branch Manager Sequoria Lewis.  Smithfield is among several BPL locations holding free activities for Birmingham City Schools students off for Spring Break this week.  For more information about Smithfield Library, call 205-324-8428 or email branch manager Sequoria Lewis at Sequoria.lewis@cobpl.org.  By Sequoria Lewis|Branch Manager Smithfield Library

  Silent Auction Item: Dinner for 4 at Perry's Steakhouse valued at $300. World Games 2022 Bottle of Redmont Vodka signed by Charles Barkley .   Curious about the silent auction that will be featured in the Birmingham Public Library 's spring fundraising event on April 7?   Look no further! Here's a peek into the many fabulous items that await lucky guests at A Novel Tasting.  Who will place the first bid? Please purchase your ticket today by clicking at this link . We need your help in making this evening a success.  Money raised from A Novel Tasting will go directly to library programs such as Bards & Brews , the BPL Bookmobile , Local Authors Expo , and Summer Reading , as well as benefit all 18 BPL locations across Birmingham.  We hope to see you there! Among Silent Auction Items up for bid at A Novel Tasting Pen and ink drawing of the historic Birmingham Terminal Station .  __________________________________________________________________________________ Art col

BPL has fun activities for Birmingham students to enjoy during Spring Break.  This week is Spring Break for Birmingham area students, and several Birmingham Public Library (BPL)  locations   are helping them have fun while off from school.   Here are just a few of the awesome fun events for kids and teens taking place between today, Monday, March 28, and Friday, April 1: Central Library , 2100 Park Place Friday, April 1 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Open Lab Our Central Library lab will be open for students to show off their creativity. Students will have access to either music lab equipment/programming or STEAM programming, including coding, circuits, 3D printing, or craft programs.  Five Points West Regional Library , 4812 Avenue W Monday, March 28 through Friday, April 1 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Spring Break Craft Break School-aged children are invited to drop by West End Library between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to make a craft during Spring Break week. Try a different craft every day. A snack

  Birmingham poet Jamil Glenn is founder of Momentous Inc. Momentous Inc, a nonprofit founded by Bards & Brews poet and Birmingham photographer Jamil Glenn, is hosting its first Momentous Family History Day at the Central Library 's Research Building this Saturday, March 26.  This celebration of family will begin at 2:30 p.m. in the Arrington Auditorium, 4th Floor, 2100 Park Place next to Linn-Park. Enter  in the Central Library's East Building, go to the 3rd Floor and take the crosswalk to the Research Library. Then take the elevator to the fourth floor.  "The objective for this event is to learn about Momentous, re-educate and teach the community about the importance of family," said Momentous Founder Jamil Glenn. "It’s a time to come together in love through the art of poetry and empowerment through motivational speaking. You do not want to miss this event!" Glenn founded Momentous Inc in April 2021. to create programs that build accountability in a

Good news, graphic novel and comic book fans of Birmingham.  The Birmingham Public Library has a new free database just for you: Comics Plus.  This database provides online access to comics and graphics novels. It is comprised of 2 versions: a standard, all-encompassing product, and a product geared toward children and teens. Comics Plus offers readers unlimited access to thousands of digital comics, graphic novels, and manga from popular publishers like ABDO, Andrews McMeel, Archie Comics, BOOM! Studios, Capstone, Dark Horse, Dynamite, Graphic Mundi, Humanoids, IDW, Lerner, Kodansha, TKO Studios, Tokyopop, Valiant, Yen Press, and many more.  There is never a wait to read. All titles are available for unlimited access and simultaneous use. Titles are accessible using a smartphone, tablet, or web browser, and downloadable to multiple devices.  Access is via a valid BPL library card.   When inside one of our 18 BPL locations , staff can provide access- if you need assistance. Using a lib

Name: Eunice Elliott Hometown: Bessemer, Ala.  College: University of Alabama, majored in Journalism/Theatre Bio: Eunice Elliott is best known for her spending several years as a former lead news anchor on NBC’s Birmingham affiliate WVTM-NBC 13 until resigning in March 2020 to focus on writing books public speaking and being a comedienne full time. Eunice has performed comedy for 14 years. Prior to joining NBC 13, Eunice worked in sports and entertainment, including stints at ESPN in Connecticut, the Tennessee Titans NFL team, the FedEx Orange Bowl Committee. She also ran her own public relations firm for many years, representing professional athletes. In addition to writing books and performing, Eunice works with Birmingham Promise helping, helping high school seniors attend college. About her books: Eunice has written three books, “So Much Love to Give” and "Being Different is Fun" , (children’s book series) and “10 Things Your Mama Never Told You, But Mine Did...Un

I promise to return my copy soon. Photo by Cheyenne Trujillo. I fall into rabbit holes daily. "Hyper Specific Depth About Something Slightly Obscure" is a favorite genre of mine. When I read the description for this book, I immediately placed a hold for it in the  Birmingham Public Library 's (BPL) catalog. 

Happy April Fools! Flyer design by Lisa Mitchell. Join us for our April Bards & Brews Slam on...Thursday, March 31! Yes, our April Bards & Brews is actually in March. Happy (early) April Fools from the Birmingham Public Library (BPL) !

Famous Aries writers 2022. Graphic design by Cheyenne Trujillo.   We're back with another zodiac blog! Aries season is coming up this Monday, March 21.  Start the new zodiac year with a good read from one of these notable Aries writers. 

  As part of its Women's History Month celebration, Titusville Branch Library is hosting a book signing on March 25 featuring Deborah Miller-Harris, a native of South Titusville.   Miller-Harris, who has penned several poems, recently published her first book, Dance Partner for Deidre.  The book examines town pride, coming of age, and family secrets.  Come meet the author between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 25, at Titusville Library, #2 6th Avenue SW. Dance Partner for Deidre is set in the small town of Yorkshire, which hosts a yearly harvest celebration.  Wrapping the Maypole begins the festivities, and Deidre Huff is one of the young maidens chosen for this task. Filled with insecurity, little does she know that her life is about to change and secrets will be brought to light.   Join us at 3:00 p.m. on March 25 and support this amazing author from our Titusville community by buying her fascinating book and taking home a signed copy.  By Reba Williams|Branch Manager,

  The BPL Friends Bookstore Spring 2022 Sale starts in just 5 days!  Join us from Tuesday, March 22, through Thursday, March 24, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Central Library Grand Reading Room on the first floor downtown, 2100 Park Place. Proceeds benefit the Birmingham Public Library . The BPL Friends Bookstore will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. during the sale.  This special sale will feature some of everything for everyone! We have an amazing inventory of children's books including easy readers, early chapter books, and great older elementary fiction.  There is something for every interest in the children's non-fiction books - just too much to list! We are not leaving the teens out of this sale either - plenty of fiction for these readers. Adults, it's your turn to shop till you drop! There will be tables of adult non-fiction, mystery, science fiction, fantasy, cookbooks and all your favorite authors.  We have DVD's, LP's, audiobooks, CD's and a

Birmingham, Ala. - Do you love succulent seafood or maybe a delectable filet mignon? What about indulging your palate in some of metro Birmingham's most elegant and renowned restaurants? Then make plans now to join us at the  Central Library  downtown on Thursday, April 7, 2022, for A Novel Tasting , a special evening benefiting the Birmingham Public Library. BPL's first annual “A Novel Tasting” fundraiser will feature a tasting of wine, craft beers, and locally distilled spirits. This special event will kick off with a VIP reception starting at 5:00 p.m., followed by the tasting from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Attendees can enjoy networking while dining on delicious food catered by Kim, and enjoy live music by  Sol Música . In addition to several other exciting items, our silent auction will feature many of Birmingham's finest dining experiences, including: S eafood and steak restaurants are among silent auction items. * Bellini's Ristorante & Bar , an Italian-infused s

  Birmingham, Ala . - Join  Inglenook Branch Library ,  4100 40th Terrace North, for the second in a series of discussions on critical health issues for women's health at 6:30 p.m. this Friday, March 18. The Birmingham Public Library is hosting these events to help provide healing and promote hope for women as part o f our celebration of Women's History Mont h.  This Friday's event at  Inglenook Branch Library  will feature Bridget Rene, a yoga specialist instructor. Three will be a limited number of free massages for attendees at the Inglenook program.   Learn more about Bridgette Rene by reading this February 2021 BhamNow spotlight on 7 Black women yoga instructors in Birmingham.   This series kicked off last Friday, March 11, at North Birmingham Branch Library with a women's discussion   led by  Dr. Nadia Richardson , founder and executive director of  No More Martyrs , an organization dedicated to addressing mental health issues.  Attendees will be eligible for pri

  Come take a chance selecting from our mysterious cryptic corks that guarantees you a special surprise at A Novel Tasting ,  at the Central Library downtown on Thursday, April 7, 2022.  Join us at this special evening benefiting the Birmingham Public Library and enjoy sipping wine, drinking craft beers and locally distilled spirits. Attendees will also participate in networking while dining on delicious food catered by Kim, enjoy live music by Sol Música , and shop for fabulous silent auction items. BPL will host its first annual “A Novel Tasting” fundraising event on April 7, with a VIP reception starting at 5:00 p.m. and the event starting at 6:00 p.m. Nucor Steel is title sponsor of A Novel Tasting ; Alabama Power is presenting sponsor .   Please support the Birmingham Public Library by attending this fun-filled event.  Purchase tickets at http://www.cobpl.org/programs/NovelTasting.aspx

Learn more about the women in Louis XIV's life for WHM. Photo by Cheyenne Trujillo. Take a deep dive into  Women's History Month  with a unique book review from Mary Anne Ellis. While the story does revolve around  Louis XIV ,  Antonia Fraser  explores how the women in his life shaped him into the " The Sun King " in  Love and Louis XIV: The Women in the Life of the Sun King .  Keep reading to hear the full review from Mary Anne Ellis.

  The Birmingham Public Library expresses sincere gratitude to our sponsors of "A Novel Tasting, " who are making our premier spring fundraising event possible.  We look forward to seeing you at the Central Library downtown on Thursday, April 7, 2022, for this special evening benefiting BPL  that will feature a tasting of wines, craft beers, and locally distilled spirits; live music; catered food; a silent auction; door prizes; cryptic corks; and a VIP reception.  The VIP reception will be held from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., followed by A Novel Tasting from 6:00 to 8:30.    Click here to purchase tickets to A Novel Tasting .  A Novel Tasting will be emceed by Eunice Elliott, former NBC 13 anchor turned author/comedienne.

Join North Birmingham Library  , 2501 31st Avenue North, for a discussion on women's health at 6:30 p.m. this Friday, March 11, led by Dr. Nadia Richardson , founder and executive director of No More Martyrs .  Attendees will get a chance to compete for a cash prize of $250 and more prizes. Registration in advance is required, Call (205) 226-4025 or drop by North Birmingham Library for more information. The following week at 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 18, Inglenook Branch Library is hosting another women's health issues workshop, featuring Bridget Rene, a yoga specialist instructor. Learn more about Bridgette Rene by reading this February 2021 BhamNow spotlight on 7 Black women yoga instructors in Birmingham.   The workshops are funded by a $20,000 grant  The Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library  received from the  Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham  (CFGB).   Both programs are among several Women's History Month programs BPL is hosting during March. Th