Birmingham Public Library Blog

  Looking for a good meal & a way to support the Birmingham Public Library at the same time?  Stop by the Central Library, 2100 Park Place in downtown Birmingham, on Thursday, June 30, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for our weekly Food Truck Summer Roundup.  Coffee lovers will have a special treat as Travelin' Tom's Coffee Truck will arrive at 8:30 a.m.  Other food truck vendors will be:   * Cake's Southern Fried Eats * Berries by Crystal  * Repicci's Italian-Style Ice & Gelato  * Betty Jean's Food Hut   Tables and chairs will be set up for guests to feast upon the fare of their choice. We will also have tents offering shade from the midday sun. 

  “Change is good. Change is necessary. Change is needed.” These words have become Marigold Anderson’s new mantra. While she has made some questionable choices, Mari is determined to focus and get her life back on track.  With a new blended family, as well as moving to a new state and city, things are different, and it’s Mari’s job to adjust. Mari is cautiously optimistic, but the family’s new home has other plans.  White Smoke  is a wonderful read. While this book does touch on social commentary issues such as gentrification and mental health, White Smoke is, at its core, a modern-day haunted house story that emits a creepy feeling almost from the beginning.  The sense of dread that stayed with me during this read was consistent and kept me turning the pages. Trigger warning: if you have a bug phobia, this is not the book for you!  Tiffany D. Jackson is proving to be a shining star in the Teen genre. She continues to put out realistic and memorable nove...

Contact Computer Commons for more information. Photo from Brooke Knighton. Get ready to level UP your Excel skills with our Microsoft Excel Advanced classes !   Here participants will learn how to work with charts, formulas, and other features to gain mastery over their spreadsheets. 

The Birmingham Public Library is pleased to announce that it has recently added the World Trade Press AtoZ Database Collection to its online reference offerings. Patrons of the Birmingham Public Library can access the World Trade Press A to Z Collection using the library’s computers, or from anywhere in the world from BPL's online database portal  by using their library card.  This new library database collection contains the following resources:  Global Road Warrior  This database contains country guides for each of 175 countries worldwide. Each of the 175 country guides covers 119 topics including culture, banking, business, demographics, education, food, history, holidays and festivals, travel, language, money, points of interest, religion, security, and national symbols.  The Global Road Warrior database was designed for students doing country reports, educators, travelers, and anyone who wants to learn about the world and its diverse cultures.  AtoZ...

The World Games Opening Ceremony in 2017. Photo from The World Games. The World Games will soon descend upon Birmingham, and, with it, a new world of sport not often seen on Saturday football fields.  These are the three sports you should check out at the World Games!

Come watch Titan the plant grow at Titusville Branch Library.    Come watch Titan grow at the Titusville Branch Library, #2 6th Avenue SW ! The Titusville Branch and Lotus Family Development Center are happy to announce their collaboration for the establishment of Birmingham’s first Bloom Community Cultivation Site! Lotus FDC has teamed up with Titusville Branch to install a community garden - whether traditional raised beds or modern agritech - in neighborhoods without easy access to healthy, fresh foods.  Titusville Library's garden is called Titan and has grown tremendously since being planted in early June.   The Lotus team has set up and will maintain a hydroponic garden system right inside the Titusville Library. The garden will feature a rotating variety of crops  - some familiar and some adventurous - that will be shared with members of the Titusville community and incorporated into educational activities for library patrons.  The organization...

BPL has lots of fun activities to keep families occupied during the hot summer months.   Birmingham, Ala. - Now that summer is undeniably in full swing, all many of us want to do is stay outside and do all the exciting activities we couldn’t when it was freezing, right? But, then we go out and a couple minutes pass and we realize we’re already full-on sweating!  It’s difficult to balance making the most of the sunny weather without overheating or feeling gross. In light of that balance, here’s just a few of the many, many ways to have an thrilling summer, some with sun and some without, and how the Birmingham Public Library can help you achieve your goals of summer fun! We have over 220 exciting 2022 Summer Reading programs at many of our libraries. With the heat of the summer beaming down on us, we may have a desire to stay inside and cool off, but that doesn’t mean we have to give up our goals of making the most of the season. There are many relaxing and entertaining hobbie...

Birds are a part of Oceans of Possibilities, too. Photo from Lynn Hutchins. Young patrons enjoyed last week's summer reading program Build A Bird House at West End Branch Library ! There are more programs this week, like a board game tournament, step classes, chair yoga classes, a variety of crafts, and more.

Become your own CEO with the BPL. Flyer design by Lisa Mitchell Smith. If you have ever thought about starting your own business, plan on attending 12 Months to Become Your Own CEO! Starting a business is a goal that many people set for themselves. Indeed, the thought of being one's own boss is a widely attractive one because it implies a greater sense of control in determining financial success and personal achievement.

Photo by Link Hoang on Unsplash The official start of summer is next week, but let's face it, it's hot!  Nothing soothes the summer heat like a trip to the beach.  Sun, sand, surf and a cold drink are just what you need to embrace the summer season.  In addition to your sunscreen and other necessities, make sure you grab a great book to take along for the trip.  Southern Living has compiled a list of beach reads perfect for Summer 2022. Be sure to check out these four and other titles that made the list .  The descriptions are from the publishers.    By the Book – Jasmine Guillory Isabelle is completely lost. When she first began her career in publishing right out of college, she did not expect to be twenty-five, living at home, still an editorial assistant, and the only Black employee at her publishing house. Overworked and underpaid, constantly torn between speaking up or stifling herself, Izzy thinks there must be more to this publishing life. So ...

The Bama Air Dogs love Summer Reading, too! Photo by Roy Williams. Bama Air Dogs joined the Avondale Regional Branch Library for our Summer Reading Program last Tuesday, June 14! Oceans of Possibilities  continues at the Birmingham Public Library (BPL) with more exciting programs this week, like silk screen printing at the Pratt City Branch Library and Murder Mystery Mayhem at the Avondale Library . Keep reading to find out more!

The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) encourages patrons to stop by the Central Branch this Thursday, June 16, for our weekly Summer Food Truck Roundup. This week's participating food trucks will serve up a spectrum of culinary treats. These include hot and iced coffees and tea, açaí bowls, barbecue pork, healthful yet yummy sandwiches and wraps, an array of salads, and refreshing smoothies. 

  Five Birmingham Public Library locations are hosting free programs and activities to celebrate Juneteenth, which on Monday, June 20, will be commemorated with a federal holiday for the very first time. Juneteenth is the oldest national event celebrating Black freedom in the United States. It refers to June 19, 1865, when Blacks in Galveston, Texas found out that President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation, ending slavery in the United States.  All BPL locations will be closed on Monday, June 20, to celebrate Juneteenth federal holiday. Here is a listing of Juneteenth events @BPL.  Avondale Regional Library, 509 40th Street South, Ph. (205) 226-4000    Monday, June 13 - Saturday June 18, 9:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. Drop-in/ Take-home Juneteenth Coloring  -- All Ages - Juneteenth coloring sheets and colored pencils available.  North Birmingham Library, 2501 31st Avenue North, Ph. (205) 226-4025  Friday, June 17, 9:00 a.m. to 6...

  What: Brothers & Bow Ties: Let's Talk Entrepreneurship When: Saturday, June 18, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Where: Central Library, 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, Ala. Details: As part of an effort to provide positive role models for young boys, the Birmingham Public Library will host “Brothers and Bow Ties: Let's Talk Entrepreneurship” on Saturday, June 18. BPL is inviting parents and youth groups to bring boys aged 18 and under, as well as men willing to come dressed in bow ties and invest time with boys at this event. Speakers will be R. Jordan Davis of Royal Prospect Consulting; Eddie Carr of Carr  & Associates Realty; and Jermaine "FunnyMaine" Johnson, comedian. Daryl Grant of KPMG will serve as a facilitator. A free game truck will be on-site and a pizza lunch from Slice Stone Pizza & Brew in Lakeview will be provided for attendees.  Birmingham, Ala. - Do you have a young boy or know one seeking positive adult male role models? The Birmingham Public L...

  What: "The Birmingham Public Library Presents Bob Sykes Bar-B-Q: Celebrating 65 Years of Legendary Service" - -a Book Talk and Book Signing Event When: 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 18, 2022  Where: Five Points West Regional Library, 4812 Avenue W  Details: Join us for a discussion on the art of barbecue and a book signing by Van Sykes, 2nd Generation Owner of Bob Sykes Bar-B-Q in Bessemer. Sykes, whose parents Bob and Maxine Sykes founded Bessemer's iconic restaurant Bob Sykes Bar-B-Q in 1957, tells the story of the family business he shares in the new book From the Pit to the Plate: The Story of Bob Sykes Bar-B-Q,  written by Niki Sepsas. Attendees will receive free barbecue sliders from Bob Sykes Bar-B-Q to enjoy as they listen to Van Sykes shares the story of 65 years of the barbecue business. Attendees will receive free barbecue pork slider sandwiches, courtesy of Bob Sykes Bar-B-Q . After Van Sykes finishes his talk, he will sign copies of the new book, whi...

Explore Oceans of Possibilities with the BPL. Photo by Cheyenne Trujillo. We are in our second full week of Oceans of Possibilities! Dive into the fun with exciting programs, like a live show from Bama Air Dogs at the Avondale Regional Branch Library, a murder mystery aboard the Titanic at Springville Road Regional Branch Library, and more.   Check out these upcoming Summer Reading Programs happening at the Birmingham Public Library (BPL)!

Always sing your heart out! Whenever I think about Nick Offerman , the first thing that comes to my mind is his no-nonsense character on Parks and Recreation , Ron Swanson. Hearts Beat Loud brings out a more enthusiastic side of Nick Offerman. He plays a record-store owner named Frank Fisher, who wants to start a band with his daughter, Sam Fisher. Kiersey Clemons brings a lot of maturity to her character, Sam, as she faces an ongoing tug-of-war between academics and music.

A new club comes to Five Points West Library. Flyer from Charlie Bodiford. Sometimes it's easier to complete a project when you have someone else around to hold you accountable—whether that's a boss, a teacher, or just a friend. This can be especially true in the crafting world for those who enjoy making things for themselves or those they love.  Sitting with someone else, working on a task, whether a conversation happens or not, can be so helpful in successfully getting something done. 

After a short hiatus, the Birmingham Public Library's Summer Food Truck Roundup is back on track to take place this Thursday, June 9! We'd like to point out that the lapse in this yummy summer event was due to a 1) an inaccurate weather forecast, frightening away the scheduled food trucks (except for one*) on Thursday, May 26, and 2) a well-attended resource fair that took up the Central Library's entire parking lot on Thursday, June 2. 

Birmingham, Ala . - The Birmingham Public Library is hosting a Finale, Food & Fun Family Event this Friday, June 10, at North Birmingham Branch Library  as its Women's Health Issues workshop series launched in March 2022 draws to a close.  For three months, the BPL hosted a series of six bi-weekly free workshops at North Birmingham Library and Inglenook Branch Library, featuring free meals, healthcare pamphlets, and medical experts addressing the theme: "Critical Health Issues for Women: Providing Healing, Promoting Hope." The workshops were funded by a $20,000 grant  The Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library  received from the  Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham  (CFGB). Attendees of this Friday's June 10 finale, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the  North Birmingham Branch Library , will receive door prizes, including gas cards. Registration in advance is required. Call (205) 226-4025 for more information.  BPL began hos...

  The Kanopy movie streaming database is celebrating Pride Month throughout the month of June.   There are several movies and documentaries on the database that highlight the history and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community.   If the banner at the top of this blog post is not visible, you can scroll down the homepage to Celebrate Pride Month …   A search for LGBTQ will provide you with all the subject headings / genres under which films are listed. The following are a sample of the films being highlighted for Pride Month and the descriptions are from the database.     Supernova (2020) Devoted partners Sam (Colin Firth) and Tusker (Stanley Tucci) are traveling across England, visiting people and places from their past. Following a life-changing diagnosis, secret plans thoroughly test their love like never before.   The World to Come (2020) Abigail is a grieving wife whose life changes with the arrival of a new neighbor, Tallie. As the two wom...

Grow your computer skills at the Central Library. Photo from Brooke Knighton. Ready to take P R I D E in your computer skills? Register for free classes this month at the Birmingham Public Library (BPL) Central Library!

  Spread the word! The Community Food Bank of Central Alabama has teamed up with  Titusville Branch Library to provide a Free Summer Lunch Program. The lunch program at the Titusville Branch, #2 6th Avenue SW, will officially kick off on Monday, June 13 and take place between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays! Titusville is implementing Juneteenth  activities for youth during this daily lunch session during the week of Monday, June 13 through Friday, June 17.  To help ensure that kids don't go hungry while school is out of session, free and nutritious meals are available for children and teens 18 and younger.  While children are at the library eating lunch, they can check out books and participate in other fun activities the library puts on throughout the summer, such as movies, crafts, and the 2022 Birmingham Public Library Summer Learning Program.  Bring the crew for the 2022 BPL Summer Learning Program , and they can receive a mea...

The Birmingham Public Library's 2022 Summer Reading programs are underway , with over 220 programs and activities for patrons of all ages taking place at 16 of our libraries across the city. Originally begun by the American Library Association in the 1890s, Summer Reading is a nationwide effort to encourage students out of school to read and use their libraries, developing their academic skills and preventing summer learning loss. The 2022 ALA Summer Reading theme is Oceans of Possibilities.  This summer, BPL has story time for kids, crafting and painting, dance classes for teens and adults (including Slide City at North Birmingham Library where patrons can learn how to do the "Electric Slide"). We also offer gardening and genealogy for adults, movie screenings for kids, game nights, Alabama 4H, book clubs, crocheting and more. A special thanks goes to Birmingham Legion FC  and City of Birmingham Parks and Recreation Department for helping make Oceans of Possibilities ...