BPL receives $40,000 grant from Institute of Museum and Library Services to Upgrade Library Public Meeting Spaces

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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 installation of three new audio/video equipment and sound systems in two meeting rooms at the Central Library and one meeting room at Five Points West Regional Library. 

The upgrades will target the BPL system’s three most requested spaces and allow them to grow their community programs. At the same time, these improvements aim to welcome back the historically underserved and marginalized communities that were shut out at the beginning of the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The project also includes grid art panels, room dividers, and laptops for in-library use. 

BPL Executive Director Janine Langston said the library system is honored to receive the grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. 

“The Birmingham Public Library serves as the social anchor of the community to inform, educate, and empower,” Langston said. “We are most appreciative of this grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The award will enhance our ability to present programs and support the services provided by our community partners.” 

Upgrades like these enable BPL to reach new audiences, foster community development, provide the highest quality programming, and demonstrate the importance of libraries as a key component for quality of life in Birmingham. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the American Rescue Plan for Museums and Libraries, which has awarded $15 million to museums, libraries and Native communities.


As the state’s largest public library system, our BPL branches serve over 200,000 patrons, who come from the state’s most affluent communities as well as from homeless shelters and support houses. All are welcome, improving in different ways, and encouraged to participate in a larger world made possible by our staff and this award from the IMLS.

About the Birmingham Public Library
 For additional information about the programs and services of the Birmingham Public Library, visit our website at www.cobpl.org and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter @BPL. The mission of Birmingham Public Library is to provide the highest quality library experience to our community for life-long learning, cultural enrichment, and enjoyment. This system - with 18 locations and serving the community for over 130 years - is one of the largest library systems in the Southeast.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
 The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grant-making, research, and policy development. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter 

 By Carrie Campbell|BPL Development Office
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