Birmingham Public Library Blog

The Birmingham Public Library is now offering a new electronic resource, called iVOX, for our patrons.  iVOX is basically an online version of the read-along VOX Books with a 3D component. There are limited number of titles available currently, but more are being added.  iVOX is available from the BPL Databases page .   What is iVOX?  iVOX™ is an interactive storybook app for children ages 2-10. iVOX allows users to read, watch, and interact with books in completely new ways. iVOX brings books to life, captivating children and parents by creating a truly educational and hands-on reading experience. iVOX can be used with a browser or an app for iOS, Android, or Kindle Fire. No matter which way iVOX is accessed, it’s easy and intuitive. Users simply choose a book, check it out, and press play.  Here are some details you need to know about iVOX:  • Recommended for ages 2-10. • Inside library access is automatic. • Outside library requires library zip code, library and a library card. • A

   Birmingham, Ala . - Join  Inglenook Branch Library , 4100 40th Terrace North, for a discussion on women's health issues from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. tonight, Friday, May 27, 2022. It is the last in a series of free women's health workshops the  Birmingham Public Library   began hosting in March 2022. The workshops, funded by a $20,000 grant  The Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library  received from the  Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham  (CFGB), conclude with a Finale, Food & Fun Family Event being held on Friday, June 10, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the North Birmingham Branch Library .  Attendees of the finale will receive door prizes including gas cards. Tonight's event at Inglenook Library will feature keynote speaker Dr. Mia Cowan, founder of MiBella Wellness Center . An award-winning author and experienced doctor, Dr. Cowan specializes in gynecology, wellness, weight management, and intimacy. In addition to gaining valuable health care informatio

Catherine Oseas Champion is BPL's assistant archivist.  Catherine Oseas Champion, the Birmingham Public Library 's assistant archivist, has been named 2022 winner of the American Library Association (ALA) Rainbow Round Table's Newlen-Symons Award for Excellence.  Presented by the Rainbow Round Table (RRT) , the Newlen-Symons Award honors a librarian, library staff member, library, library board, and/or library friends group who have designed programs and/or initiatives responsive to the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community.  The Rainbow Round Table will present the award to Catherine during the ALA Annual Conference on Monday, June 27 in Washington D.C.  Kathleen Breitenbach, Rainbow Round Table Chair, said of Catherine:  "The Rainbow Round Table Executive Board read of your in-depth work at the Birmingham Public Library, your connections with numerous local organizations, and your efforts to maintain and archive important historical materials. One of your colleagues even

The Dannon Project  and the  Birmingham Public Library  (BPL) are excited to announce their continuing partnership to provide life-restoring resources and the highest-quality experience of life to the Birmingham community! The Citywide Resource Fair will take place at downtown’s  Central Library  from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 2. It is free to the public.  This annual event offers library patrons and the general public a chance to gather information about resources, services, and opportunities available to them through community-based organizations. There will also be door prizes, complementary food, and giveaways! Home renovation, housing, legal, senior, and transportation assistance are all categories that will be addressed at the Citywide Resource Fair.  See the Citywide Resource Fair participants list below. Organizations such as  Alabama Regional Medical Services  and  Callahan Eye Hospital  will administer health screenings and eye exams.  Local businesses such as

Don't mess with this wild duo! Reference photo from Collider . In honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month , you should check out Hunt for the Wilderpeople . It is a fun movie to watch with friends and family! Taika Waititi unapologetically blends offbeat humor with a charming, quick wit in all of his movies—but especially Hunt for the Wilderpeople .

  Malcolm X Today, May 19, 2022, would have been late Nation of Islam Leader Malcolm X's 97th birthday. To celebrate, Pratt City Branch Library is giving away Malcolm X Grab-in-go kits from Thursday, May 19, through Thursday, May 26.  Through these kits, young kids will get to know Malcolm X, the little boy from the Midwest who grew up to become a natural leader.  He was born on May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska as Malcolm Little before changing his name to Malcolm X after converting over to Islam.  Malcolm X was assassinated at age 39 while speaking in New York City on February 21, 1965.  Malcolm X was a smart student and learned many things about life, equality, and justice. Like his father, he traveled the world to speak about his beliefs hoping to make changes in the world. Help us celebrate Malcolm X’s birthday beginning May 19 by visiting Pratt City Branch, 509 Dugan Avenue, to pick up a Happy 97th Birthday Malcolm X Grab & Go kit. Enjoy these kits filled with facts and

  The 2022 World Games are coming to Birmingham this summer- including some of the world's best archers who will compete outside BPL 's Avondale Regional Branch Library  in Avondale Park.   All World Games archery sporting events will take place in Avondale Park between Friday, July 8, and Friday, July 15. During the competition, Avondale Regional Library will be closed to the public.   All other BPL locations will remain open for regular hours during the World Games.   For details on BPL hours and locations, click here. The Birmingham Public Library is excited to have top athletes from across the globe competing outside one of our locations. We look forward to welcoming international guests and patrons from across the nation to our libraries during the World Games. Some BPL locations even have World Games-themed programs planned for younger patrons. Stay tuned to the BPL website and social media for more updates. Remember to check our BPL calendar to see all of the many pr

  The 75 th annual Cannes Film Festival is scheduled to take place in Cannes, France from May 17 th – May 28 th .   The Kanopy movie streaming database is celebrating the festival by highlighting films that have been featured at Cannes in the past.   They have divided the films into categories such as Recent Selections, Contemporary Film, Palme d’Or Winners, and more.   The following are a sample of the films that are available on Kanopy and the descriptions are from the database.   Sibyl (2019) Sibyl, a jaded psychotherapist, returns to her first passion: writing. But her newest patient Margot, a troubled up-and-coming actress, proves to be a source of inspiration that is far too tempting. Fascinated almost to the point of obsession, Sibyl becomes more and more involved in Margot’s tumultuous life, reviving volatile memories that bring her face to face with her past.   Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019) Marianne is hired to paint the wedding portrait of Héloïse. As

  Birmingham, Ala. –   The Flourish Alabama , a nonprofit organization dedicated to planting seeds that allow young people’s talents to bloom, is hosting a free Black Business Market in Birmingham this Sunday, May 22. The Flourish Alabama was founded by Birmingham Public Library ’s Bards & Brews poets Jahman Hill (co-host) and Eric Marable.   It kicks off a week of free activities, including the first Flourish Fest Film Showcase May 26 at the Sidewalk Film Center and Cinema , 1821 2nd Avenue North downtown, and the Green Book Project at the Birmingham Museum of Art May 22 through May 27, a collaboration between Greater Birmingham Arts Education Collaborative , Bush Hills STEAM Academy and Jefferson County Memorial Project . Earlier this year, BPL hosted Flourish Alabama’s Word Up Festival poetry slam featuring young poets from all 7 Birmingham public high schools.  Jahman Hill, a poet, playwright and adjunct professor in the University of Alabama’s Department of Gender and Ra

Memorial Day 2022 will be observed on Monday, May 30. Show your appreciation for the United States' military heroes by dropping by the first floor of the Central Library, 2201 Park Place in downtown Birmingham, to see our display, "Military Service: A History in Postcards." Drawn from a donated collection 26,000 postcards, Troy University 's collection contains 1,500 historic postcards dating from 1903—1966, representing all military branches.  See the personal stories of service members as told through postcards spanning decades at the Central Library.   This exhibit is sponsored by the Alabama Humanities Alliance , National Endowment for the Humanities ,  and  Troy University .  By Jiemin Fan| Central Library Citizen Services Department Check out some of the postcards in the display below. 

Enjoy a good meal for a good cause. Flyer by Lisa Mitchell. The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) is excited to announce the kickoff of the weekly Summer Food Truck Roundup this Thursday, May 19, at the Central Library .  We have some newcomers to the roundup, so please come out and give them a warm welcome!

  Titusville Library Senior Prom will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18.    If you are over the age of 55, you may have another chance at being crowned Prom King or Queen.  The senior citizens of the Titusville Community will dance away with love, joy, and happiness in their soul of being young again and remembering their high school days.  The Titusville Branch Library,  #2 6th Avenue SW, will host its first Senior Library Prom  from 11: 00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. this Wednesday, May 18, 2022. This program will serve as an event for seniors to engage, interact and have fun together. The theme will be “Under the Starz”.   For registration, please call (205) 322-1140. Call soon as there are only a few more seats available. The Titusville Library Senior Prom is a continuation of several activities Titusville Library has put in place to make senior citizens in the community feel special, including a monthly Titusville Senior Resource Day give-away of free groceries

  Birmingham, Ala . - Join North Birmingham Branch Library, 2501 31st Avenue North, for a discussion on women's health issues from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. tonight, Friday, May 13, 2022. It is the latest in a series of free women's health workshops the  Birmingham Public Library  is hosting through June 2022. Tonight's event at North Birmingham Library will feature Dr. Calvin Spellmon Jr., of Brookwood Baptist Medical Health Systems' Precision Sports Medicine & Orthopedics practice . In addition to gaining valuable health care information from Dr. Spellmon, attendees will receive dinner, door prizes, and take-home literature about health issues. There will also be free child care provided, fun family games, and more.  Registration in advance is required. Call (205) 226-4025 for more information. Upcoming programs include a women's health workshop from from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, May 27, at Inglenook Library, and a finale food and fun family event on Friday, June

  May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of addressing mental health. Each year, this month educating the public on mental illness, fighting stigma, providing support, advocating for policies that support families impacted by mental illness.   In association with the 2022 national theme of “Together for Mental Health,” the City of Birmingham is partnering with Nurture Bham to present Community Mental Health Day in Linn Park on Friday, May 13.  The event from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. will feature music, door prizes, yoga, speakers, and mental health experts on the scene. There will also be food trucks on Short 20th Street in front of City Hall.   According to the City of Birmingham HR Department, “We want to bring awareness to normalize acknowledging and accessing care for mental health concerns when needed. Put simply, we want you to know it’s okay to not be okay and assistance is available. Partners, including BHS, will be present to di

  If you missed Nathifa Dance Co.'s performance at last Friday's Bards & Brews Open Mic , make plans now to return to the Central Library downtown at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 12 as the acclaimed dancers and drummers joins BPL to present "The Afrocentric Experience."  The event will be in the Central Library's Arrington Auditorium, 2100 Park Place. Although this performance is free, donations will be accepted.  Special guests are Ladonna Smith, Jasmine Megaha, Tammy Coleman, Lisa Gibbs, and DeJuana McCary. A Q&A with the artists will take place immediately following the performance.  Nathifa Dance Co. was founded in 1992 to provide a venue for African dance and drumming.  It aims to connect the African American culture to different communities in metro Birmingham by introducing them to African American dance, African dance and drumming. The Afrocentric Experience and Bards & Brews are made possible by a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts

Celebrate AAPI creators with us. Graphic design by Cheyenne Trujillo. May is a variety of celebrations, one of them being Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month , or AAPIH Month.  Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with some movies and games that you can find at the  Birmingham Public Library (BPL)   that feature various Asian and Pacific Islander cultures and highlight unique stories by AAPI creators!

Get your ticket to "Oceans of Possibilities." Graphic design by Lisa Mitchell.  The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) invites you to our Summer Reading Kick-Off this Saturday, May 14, at Avondale Park. Join us at this family-friendly event for carnival-themed fun and register for our upcoming summer reading programs.  Get your ticket to "Oceans of Possibilities" this summer!

  The Birmingham Public Library offers a variety of instructional classes, tools, and online tutorials to help navigate our resources and technology. However, there are times when you need more in-depth assistance. Book a FREE personalized 1-on-1 Tech session at the Five Points West Regional Library to tap into the Library's resources or learn more about your personal laptop, phone, or tablet.  The 1-on-1 Tech session is a one-hour customized class devised to help you learn more about a topic that's important to you and based on your technological need.  You can register for your class at the information desk at the Five Points West Library, 4812 Avenue W, or call us at 205-226-4016. Please provide a brief explanation of what you would like to learn during the session. Some topics we cover include:  *  Downloading library eBooks, audiobooks, music, and magazines to your tablet, smartphone, or laptop *  Navigating library databases and other resources * How to use the Internet,

Looking for a job? UAB's TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) is hosting a 2022 Job and Resource Fair at the Central Library, 2100 Park Place in downtown Birmingham on Tuesday, May 10, from 11:30 to 1:30 p.m.. During the event, the TRIO EOC will host employers and job representatives from several agencies. Job seekers and other attendees will also be able to get resources from vendors such as  the Alabama Department of Human Resources' SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)  In October 2021, Alabama U.S. Representative Terri Sewell announced $1.1 million in TRIO Grant funding for the University of Alabama at Birmingham from the U.S. Department of Education. This funding is a part of the TRIO EOC program, whose mission is "to give all adults of all economic, social, and educational backgrounds the skills they need to continue their education."  In addition to providing counseling and college admissions information for adults interested in beginning or

  Are you ready to improve your computer knowledge and take your skills to the next level?  Register for the Central Library' s free computer classes offered this May all month long!  The classes kick off today, Monday, May 9, with a Basic PC class taking place from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., followed by a Keyboarding clas s from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m.  Get up to speed on everything Microsoft Word has to offer with our Word 2010 Basics and Advanced classes . These courses will introduce you to creating and editing your own documents and demonstrate more advanced skills like adding images, tables, headers, and footers.  Are you a business owner looking to get a leg-up on your competition? Our Reference Solutions for Business Research class will showcase this BPL database's business research capabilities and give attendees a rundown of how to locate your customers, your competition, and various job listings.  You can register for free classes on the BPL website or in person at the Computer

  The North Birmingham Branch Library , 2501 31st Ave. North, is closed for the remainder of today, Friday, May 6, due to a power outage. Our other locations are operating as normal. Click here to see days and hours our libraries across Birmingham are open . Remember when our buildings are closed, Birmingham Public Library patrons can still check out books and DVDs online on our website .

The 1950 Census for Jefferson County. Photo from the NARA. In the early morning hours of April 1, 2022, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) released the 1950 Decennial Census on a dedicated website built specifically for that purpose. In the weeks and months leading up to the release, NARA, other genealogy sites, and bloggers did a great job of promoting the census. NARA did a special series of videos as well as a series of blog entries (60+ of them!). As any genealogist will tell you, though, no special promotion was necessary. The release of a new census is always highly anticipated and is, in short, a very big deal.