Birmingham Public Library Blog

  Starting Tuesday, August 2, the North Birmingham Library is introducing “Stop, Drop, and Breathe”, a new Adult Department meditation program. This new weekly program aims to help patrons relax and is designed for those looking for a way to sit and take a moment for themselves during the week. “Stop, Drop, and Breathe” will take place every Tuesday in the North Birmingham Library Meeting Room from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and will consist of several 10 to 20 minute guided meditative breathing sessions.  We will follow along a guided video or audio, allowing participants to sit and breathe together.  Stay for the full class or as few minutes as you need within the time allotted. We know how stressful life can be and we invite you to give yourself a break.  Even if it’s just for a few minutes, stop by and join us! "Stop, Drop, Breathe" and relax.  For more information about this class, call (205) 226-4025 or drop by North Birmingham Library, 2501 31st Avenue No...

  The last thing Eudora Welty wanted to be known as was a “Southern Gothic” writer. Out of respect for her wish, I will not be calling her that, even though she most certainly wrote some of the best Southern Gothic short stories of the mid-20th century.  So who did Eudora Welty want the world to see her as? I would like to think that she would be happy with the phrase “Student of People and Humanity”. It was her observations of the people of her home state of Mississippi during the Great Depression that awakened her to what Post-Reconstruction life was really like in the South.   So what do Eudora Welty and Southern Gothic literature have in common? Ms. Welty wrote about the real South. Nothing was aggrandized or portrayed with gardenia scented false memories. All the cracks, decay, ignorance, prejudices, insincerities, violence, and racism were on display for everyone to see.  Her stories are told in a way that anyone else recounting them would find the sit...

This Thursday, July 28, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Birmingham Public Library welcomes The Dirty Red and NOLA-ICE  to its Summer Food Truck Roundup. Tickle your taste buds with Chef Nelesha Dale's savory gourmet street food . Then treat yourself (and your dog!) to Kelli Caulfield's authentic New Orleans-style snoballs . Both of the featured food trucks at tomorrow's event are women-owned, which is all the more reason to join us!

  Following David Sedaris’ writing career is like having a friend who you only get together with once every few years in a dive coffee shop, hashing out your recent lives over espresso and snark. His essays read like those conversations, both because they’re largely autobiographical but also because they’re so intimately written. Sometimes the reader can almost feel the touch on their forearm and hear the hushed tone as something scandalously witty and off color is about to be said of someone else.  If you’ve wondered what your friend David has been up to during the past few years, then you’ll be happy to hear from him in his latest collection of essays, “Happy-Go-Lucky” . Whether it’s the shadow of the Covid-19 pandemic, the coming to terms of his father’s advanced age and mortality, or his own transition into later middle age status, David is much darker than in his earlier works. That could already be seen in his previous opus, “Calypso” which punctured some tough family t...

Cereal has become a staple item in many Americans' breakfasts, but few know the story behind Post cereal and its rise to become one of America's favorite cereal brands and a leader in food manufacturing. The company's founder, C.W. Post, found the inspiration to create his first product, Postum, during his stay at the Battle Creek Sanitorium. 

  On Thursday, July 28, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., the Titusville Branch Library  is hosting the Summer at The Sixth Children's Camp "Pitch Day Summer Reading Send Off." During the Pitch Day event at Titusville Branch, #2 6th Avenue SW, each student will share thoughts about their time spent at a  summer camp  presented by  Sixth Avenue Baptist Church . They will give personal accounts on how the program has helped them become leaders, enabled them to try new experiences, learn how to build relationships and better empathize with others.  This event will allow students to display and showcase their talents, present business pitches and more! The public is invited to come celebrate these bright young minds who represent the best of Birmingham's future leaders! By Reba Williams|Branch manager, Titusville Library    Dr. John Cantelow III, Pastor of 6th Avenue Baptist Church; Reba Williams, Titusville Branch Manager; and Latisha Watkin, Director of Chil...

Could there be a better day for Bards & Brews! Flyer design by Lisa Mitchell. Celebrate International Beer Day with Bards & Brews at our Open Mic on Friday, August 5, 6:00—8:00 p.m. at Carrigan's Beer Garden !  Local percussionist Barry Johnson is opening the night with a drum solo you don't want to miss.

Join us for our first Community Connection Series. Flyer design by Lisa Mitchell. The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) is excited to début its Community Connection Series on Wednesday, August 3. Each week, the series will bring together a handful of organizations to share information with the public about opportunities, resources, and services related to a specific topic. 

  Neena Speer's "12 Steps to Become Your Own CEO" holds its 2nd workshop Monday, July 25.   Birmingham, Ala. - Do you have a desire to run your own business one day? Then make plans now to attend the second part of BPL ’s new monthly seminar series, "12 Months to Become Your Own CEO," at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, July 25, at the Central Library in downtown Birmingham.  Below is an introduction to workshop series presenter Neena Speer, a Birmingham attorney who has professional experience in helping clients start and grow businesses in metro Birmingham. Learn more about this workshop series by clicking here.   A native of metro Birmingham, Neena Speer graduated from the University of Alabama School of Law in 2017, and received her undergraduate degrees from Howard University in 2014. In addition to owning an award-winning trademark law firm , Neena Speer is principal of a book, speaking and consulting company, executive director of a non-profit, and the author of two...

Join Southside Branch Library for a local author's book discussion. Flyer from Southside Library. The Birmingham Public Library 's Southside Branch Public Library is excited to welcome local author Antonia Gavrihel to share with us her breakout novel, Back To One .

  Looking for a job?  Then make your way to the Five Points West Regional Library, 4812 Avenue W, on Tuesday, August 2, a s UAB's TRIO Educational Opportunity Center presents Summer Trade Expo 2022.  Between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., attendees will have opportunities to learn about job and apprenticeship opportunities, trades, and how to get your GED.  There will also be a booth with information on how to become a  CNA (certified nursing assistant) and job opportunities as a PCT (personal care technician).   Besides the TRIO Educational Opportunity Center, attendees will get to meet with officials from these companies and colleges:  * Southern Company (Alabama Power)  * Brasfield & Gorrie  * Midsouth Paving Inc.  * Jefferson State Community College   * Lawson State Community College Attendees will also get to meet with  Alabama Department of Human Resources officials to gain information about SNAP benefits and ...

Thanks for making us a part of your summer. Flyer design by Lisa Mitchell. It's the last week of  Oceans of Possibilities  at the  Birmingham Public Library  (BPL)!  Join us for a few more summer reading programs before they end. 

  The Titusville Branch Library Community Resource Days continue to expand.  Titusville Branch, #2 6th Avenue SW, is kicking off its August monthly celebration of Titusville Branch Resource Days on Tuesday, August 2, by hosting the Titusville Branch Community Back to School Resource Day. Students who attend will receive school clothes, supplies, and hygiene products. Students will also get a chance to win free laptops. Advanced registration is required.    Also on Tuesday, August 2, Titusville Branch is hosting its monthly diaper give-away in collaboration with Bundles of Hope, a diaper bank serving metro Birmingham. On Wednesday, August 3, Titusville Library will host its monthly Titusville Community Senior Resource Day, celebrating senior citizens aged 55 and older in the surrounding neighborhoods. On Thursday, August 4, Titusville Library will host its monthly Community Food Giveaway, distributing free food boxes, produce, diapers, and women's personal hygiene p...

  West End Branch Library is celebrating its 110th birthday and 15th year in its building at 1348 Tuscaloosa Avenue SW today, Thursday, July 21, 2022.   The Birmingham Public Library's West End Branch Library turns 110 years old this year. Today, West End Branch is celebrating its birthday as well as its 15th year in its current building, 1348 Tuscaloosa Ave SW. Patrons are invited to stop by between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. today for a slice of cake and to help us celebrate.  For more information about West End Branch, call (205) 226-4089 or drop by anytime. You can also follow us on the  West End Branch Library Facebook page . Read below or click here to learn more about West End Library Through the Years  1908-1909  Andrew Carnegie donated $10,000 for the design and construction of the West End Library when West End was a separate municipality from Birmingham.  1912  The West End Library opened on April 1. When the town of West End was inc...

For me, poetry has always been one of my absolute favorite genres to delve into when I desire emotion and vulnerability. It's a special type of writing that gives the author every chance to be open in a way that other formats don't offer as freely.  Whether joyful, sorrowful, or anything in-between, the nature of the poetic form is to be eye-opening. 

After the illustrious World Games honored the Magic City with eleven days of excitement—ending with an explosion of farewell fireworks at Protective Stadium on Sunday night—downtown's streets have reopened. Now that roads are again navigable, the Birmingham Public Library (BPL) is excited to announce the resumption of its weekly Summer Food Truck Roundup. Please join us at the Central Library this Thursday, July 21, for street cuisine from Italy, Nairobi, New Orleans, and our very own Alabama. Photos from the Birmingham Public Library.  Featured street food will include unique Kenyan dishes from  Sahani True Nairobi Cuisine , Southern-style BBQ pork from  Smoke on Wheels Grille , and authentic New Orleans eats from  Who Dat Snoballs & Food . To assuage a sweet tooth, indulge in an Italian treat provided by  Repicci's Italian Ice & Gelato .  If you happen to be out and about early Thursday morning, stop by for gourmet coffee and tea offered by Travel...

What: "The Birmingham Public Library Presents Bob Sykes Bar-B-Q: Celebrating 65 Year of Legendary Service - a Book Talk and Book Signing Event"  When:  12:00 - 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, 2022  Where:   Central Library, 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203  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, h...

Do you love video games? Come play at our video game hub on Friday, July 29 and August 26, at the North Birmingham Regional Branch Library from 4:00—5:00 p.m. in the meeting room. We have a variety of vintage PlayStation games available for patrons ages 13 and up. 

  BPL receives $40,000 grant from Institute of Museum and Library Services for audio-video equipment. Birmingham, Ala. – Throughout its history, the Birmingham Public Library (BPL) has served the public as a popular meeting space for families, community groups, neighborhood organizations, and public events. For example, for over a decade, the popular Bards & Brews spoken word poetry/craft beer events have been packing the house at BPL with lively attendance . In addition, the meeting spaces at the Central Library downtown and Five Points West Regional Library frequently host neighborhood and community meetings, presentations, Summer Reading programs , and other signature programs such as book signings/talks. These meeting spaces are so popular that BPL has received a $40,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to upgrade and expand essential meeting room facilities and media equipment for both staff and public use. The grant will fund the i...

Free period products to end period poverty.  The City of Birmingham's Office of Peace and Policy's Women Initiative and the Birmingham Public Library are seeking to end period poverty by offering free period products.

Explore the Oceans of Possibilities. Flyer design by Lisa Mitchell. The World Games are wrapping up this weekend, and we hope you enjoyed seeing some of the best athletes around the world right here in the Magic City. Four more years till the next one! Oceans of Possibilities is coming into its last few weeks here at the Birmingham Public Library (BPL). Don't miss out on FREE BBQ pork sliders at the Central Library this Saturday, July 23!