2022 BPL Summer Reading Programs for June 6-10

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 possible. 

Below are details on the Summer Reading programs taking place at various BPL locations the week of Monday, June 6, through Friday, June 10 (you can find the full listing on our BPL calendar): 

Avondale Library, 509 40th Street South. Call (205) 226-4000 for more information.

All Ages Programs

* Ocean View Tiny Art Show - 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., June 1 through June 30- Create an ocean-themed painting with acrylic paints and a 3 by 3 canvas we will provide. Kits are available at the circulation desk and final submissions are due by June 30.

Youth Programs

* Make It Mondays, Monday, June 6, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. - Patrons of all ages can "get crafty" all summer long every Monday at Avondale's Make It Mondays. You can "stay and make" or "Take and make" with craft kits available while supplies last.  

* Treasure Tuesdays, Tuesday, June 7, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. -  Put your indoor scavenger hunting skills to the test and scour our ocean waves for fun. New hunt posted weekly.

* Wacky Wednesday: Beach Blanket Bingo, Wednesday, June 8, 10:30 a.m. - Catch a wave and get ready for a lightning-fast round of bingo mania fun. Space is limited; registration required.  

 

* Time for Tales Thursdays, Thursday, June 9, 10:30 a.m. - Join us for this preschool story time with stories, songs, and lots of un for everyone. Space is limited; registration required. 

Adult Programs

* Grab & Go for Grown-Ups, Monday, June 6, 2:00 p.m. - Each Monday this summer,  Avondale will feature a simple kit project that can be completed in the library or picked up as a kit to take home. Kits available while supplies last.   

* Club Create, Wednesday, June 8, 2:00 p.m. - Each week patrons can complete a simple craft, with materials and instruction provided. 

Five Points West Library, 4812 Avenue W. Call (205) 226-4013 for more information.

All Ages Programs

* Ocean View Tiny Art Show - 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., June 1 through June 30- Create an ocean-themed painting with acrylic paints and a 3 by 3 canvas we will provide. Kits are available at the circulation desk and final submissions are due by June 30.

Adult Programs

* Chair Yoga, Wednesday, June 8, 10:30 a.m. - Join us for an hour or relaxation and medication with our yoga specialist, Bridgette Wimbleduff. This chair yoga program is perfect for seniors and anyone in the beginning stage of their yoga journey. 

Inglenook Library, 4100 40th Terrace North. Call (205) 849-8739  for more information.

Youth Programs

* Oceans of Movies on Mondays: Monday, June 6, 11:00 a.m. - Every Monday this summer, all hands will be on deck at Inglenook Library as we set sail with free movies for youth. Join us and have plenty of fun, a snack, and a movie with an ocean theme. Bring a friend, grab a seat and enjoy.  

* Make Waves Wednesdays: Wednesday, June 8, 10:30 a.m. - Every Wednesday this summer, join us at Inglenook Library for some wacky fun. If you love all things silly, then you are sure to enjoy all of our activities. 

* Pirate Scavenger Hunt Fridays: Friday, June 10, 11:00 a.m. - Find the treasures of the ocean with a pirate scavenger hunt every Friday this summer at Inglenook Library. Participants will explore the library to find the clues that lead to the treasure. 

Adult Programs

* Oceans of Possibilities Bingo, June 1-July 29, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. - Come in and complete a bingo card to get a tote bag while supplies last during June and July. 

North Avondale Library, 501 43rd Street North. Call (205) 592-2082  for more information.

Youth Programs

* Trivia Tuesday:  Tuesday, June 7, 11:00 a.m. - Every Tuesday this summer, come join us at North Avondale for a game of ocean trivia and a chance to win a prize. 

North Birmingham Library, 2501 31st Avenue N.   Call (205) 226-4025 for more information.

Adult Programs 

* Slide City, 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8. - Come "catch a wave" with us at North Birmingham Library as we surf into this fun-filled dance event where you can learn how to electric slide. This free dance class is every Wednesday during June and July.

Pratt City Library, 509 Dugan Avenue. Call (205) 791-4997 for more information. 

Adult Programs

* Chair Yoga, Tuesday, June 7, 10:30 a.m. - Join us for an hour or relaxation and medication with our yoga specialist, Bridgette Wimbleduff. This chair yoga program is perfect for seniors and anyone in the beginning stage of their yoga journey.  

* Cloud Accounts, Tuesday, June 7, 3:00 p.m. - Need more storage on your phone? In this class, learn how to access and manage your cloud account. 

* Sun, Sand, and Sea Perler Bead Coasters, Friday, June 10, 1:00 p.m. - Join us at Pratt City Library to learn the process of Perler bead art and make an aquatic-themed coaster for your next cool drink. 

Smithfield Branch Library, #1 8th Avenue W.  Call (205) 324-8428 for more information. 

Youth Programs

* Between the Lines, Monday, June 6, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. - Let your creativity flow at Smithfield Library as you color "Between the lines" on an array of coloring sheets. Join us for coloring and artistic fun for all ages every Monday this summer except for the Juneteenth and 4th of July holidays. 

* Movie Mania, Wednesday, June 8, 11:00 a.m. - Oceans of Possibilities"-themed movies for youth to enjoy.  Every Wednesday this summer. 

* Anime-nia, Thursday, June 9, 3:30 p.m. - It's time for Anime-nia where we watch anime, old and new. Bring your tasty snacks and join us for loads of fun. Every Thursday this summer

* Chill Mode, Friday, June 10, 3:30 p.m. -  Think you have what it takes to win? Join us for a variety of exciting games, guaranteed fun and laughs.  Every Friday this summer. 

Adult Programs

* Off the Hook Crochet, Tuesday, June 9, 10:00 a.m. - Let your crochet activity flow in this class that will be "off the hook."  Every Tuesday this summer. 

 

Southside Library, 1814 11th Avenue South. Call (205) 933-7776 for more information.  

All Ages Programs

* Watch It Grow, Wednesday, June 8, 10:00 a.m. - Grow a bean plant in a jar at Southside Library. This adventure may yield enough for a meal. It may even lead to a garden. 

Youth Programs

Day at the Movies, Thursday, June 9, 2:00 p.m. -  Kick back, relax and enjoy a free movie at Southside Library. Light refreshments will be provided. 

Teen and Adult Programs

* Phone Basics, Tuesday, June 7, 10:00 a.m. - Learn how to operate your smart phone. In this class, we demonstrate how to change your settings, take pictures, and utilize different types of communication. 

* Cloud Accounts, Thursday, June 9, 3:00 p.m. - Need more storage on your phone? In this class, learn how to access and manage your cloud account. 

Springville Road Library, 1224 Old Springville Road. Call (205) 226-4085 for more information.

Adult Programs

* Murder Aboard the Titanic: A Grab and Go Mystery Kit, June 1- June 30, 9 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. - Can you discover the identity of the murderer? Use clues to solve a mystery that occurred on the Titanic. Correct guesses will have the opportunity to win a prize. 

* Tidal T-Shirts, Monday, June 6, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Participants will screen-print a lighthoue design onto a T-shirt on the first Monday (today, June 6) and color it with fabric pens on the second Monday, June 13).  Pre registration required.

* Phone Basics, Thursday, June 9, 10:00 a.m. - Learn how to operate your smart phone. In this class, we demonstrate how to change your settings, take pictures, and utilize different types of communication. 

Titusville Library, #2 6th Avenue SW.  Call (205) 322-1140 for more information.

Youth Programs

 * Dynamic Education: Liquid Lab, Monday, June 6, 10:00 a.m. —Join the Science Lady for a cool lab exploring liquids at extremely cold temperatures. Get mesmerized by molecules and dazzled by density with this program offered at Titusville and eight other BPL locations. 

* Decorate Your Seashell, Tuesday, June 7, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. - We will provide markers to make these seashells even more beautiful. 

Adult Programs

* Grab & Go for Grown-Ups, Monday, June 6, 11 a.m. - Let's dive into crafting. Each Monday during June,  Titusville Library will feature a simple kit project that can be completed in the library or picked up as a kit to take home. Kits available while supplies last.  

* The Puzzle Club, Wednesday, June 8, 2:00 p.m. - Discover an ocean of possibilities when you unleash your creative side. Each Wednesday during June, we will complete a simple puzzle or craft with materials and instruction provided.  

 

Wylam Library, 4300 7th Avenue Wylam. Call (205) 785-0349 for more information.

 * Dynamic Education: Liquid Lab, Wednesday, June 8, 10:00 a.m. —Join the Science Lady for a cool lab exploring liquids at extremely cold temperatures. Get mesmerized by molecules and dazzled by density with this program offered at Titusville and eight other BPL locations.  Wylam Branch Library on Wednesday, June 8, starting at 10:00 a.m.