BPL Hosting More than 80 Holiday Programs in 14 Libraries During Month of December
Among the highlights:
* Season's Readings & Festive Eatings at the Central Library throughout December, as library patrons are invited to share their most treasured holiday memories and tastiest recipes.
* Family Fun Night: Gingerbread House Building at the Avondale Regional Library at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 6. You can also pick up gingerbread house decorating kits and enter Springville Road Regional Library's gingerbread house contest beginning Thursday, December 1. Springville Road gingerbread house winners will be announced on December 20.
* Attend Titusville Branch's Christmas Community Resource Day from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 6, where 50 kids will receive free bicycles, toys, and clothes.
* Children creating Christmas ornaments at Wylam Branch Library's Wylam Afterschool Club Holiday Fun and Games at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 13.
* Put your inner-artist to work by painting at BPL. Create your own holiday art piece at Smithfield Library's Painting With Passion from 10:00 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, December 16. You can also paint holiday ornaments at Woodlawn Branch Library at 4:00 p.m. on December 20 and join Avondale Regional Library for Paint Party with Olivia: Holiday Edition on Wednesday, December 14, at 2:00 p.m. Join North Birmingham Library's Art Attack on December 7 by painting Christmas scenes from around the world.
* Make Grab N' Go Holiday Crafts all monthlong at Southside Branch Library and Grab N' Go Christmas Tree crafts at Pratt City Branch Library, both beginning Monday, December 5.
* Attend Holiday Open House at Springville Road Regional Library from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, December , Five Points West Regional Library Holiday Open House on Monday, December 19, from noon to 2:00 p.m. and get in the Christmas spirit by attending North Birmingham Library's Holiday Open House at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, December 12.
* Exercise and dance your way into good health during the holidays at North Birmingham Library. Every Wednesday during December from 10:30 a.m. to noon, join North Birmingham Library's fun-filled "Slide City" dance program! Every Wednesday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., release your holiday stress and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of life by joining Stop, Drop, & Breathe, North Birmingham Library's relaxing breathing & meditation class!
* Make Photo Snow Globe Crafts at Powderly Branch Library at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 6, starts at 3:00 p.m. Must reserve a seat; call 205-925-6178 to reserve.
Read below to see a listing of all 86 holiday programs taking place at 14 BPL locations (you can also learn more by looking at the BPL calendar) BPL will be distributing booklets listing all programs in our library locations across the City of Birmingham beginning next week, Monday, December 5.
2022 BPL Holiday Happenings
Avondale Regional Branch Library, 509 40th Street S
Youth programs
Family Fun Night: Gingerbread House Building
Tuesday, December 6, starts at 6:30 p.m.
Sugar and spice make Christmas so nice. Join us for a night of gingerbread house building and family fun. Limited space: registration required.
Reindeer Games
Monday, December 12—Wednesday, 21
Deck the halls with reindeer training Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la. Tis the season to be playing Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la. Don we now our deer apparel Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la. We promise not to call you “Carol” (unless that’s your name) Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la. Join us in the youth department for some reindeer games and Fa-la-la-la-la FUN. Let the games begin!
Make It Mondays
Monday, December 12
Get crafty in the Avondale Youth Department with Make it Monday. You may “take and make” or “stay and create”. Craft kits are available while supplies last.
Fun with Felt
Tuesday, December 13, starts at 10:30 a.m.
Fun with Felt is a program for young children (even toddlers) and their families to engage in sewing and textile related activities alongside senior members of Bib & Tucker Sew Op Quilters. It is “sew” much FUN! Registration required. Call 205-226-4003 to register.
Time for Tales with Ms. Cas & Ms. Marie
Thursday, December 1 & 8, starts at 10:30 a.m.
Join us for a morning of preschool fun with stories and songs for everyone. Groups are welcome, but registration is required. Call 205-226-4003 to register your group.
Adult programs
Merry Mini Book Making
Thursday, December 1
If you’ve seen the tiny books in our fairy library and wondered how to make them, here’s your chance! With our tiny book kit and scissors and glue, you can craft your own fairy-sized copy of A Christmas Carol. Kits available while supplies last.
Grab & Go for Grown-Ups
Mondays, December 5, 12, & 19
Let's get crafting! Each Monday we'll feature a simple holiday craft project that can be completed in the library or picked up as a kit to take home. Kits available while supplies last.
Holiday Origami
Tuesdays, December 6, 13, 20, & 27
Craft a classic holiday shape with a video tutorial available on our Facebook page. Origami paper can be picked up at the Avondale circulation desk. Happy Folding!
Holiday Card-Making Workshop
Wednesday, December 7, starts at 2:00 p.m.
Learn to make your own stamps to craft holiday cards with your own personal touch. All adults are welcome, and supplies are provided.
Paint Party with Olivia: Holiday Edition
Wednesday, December 14, starts at 2:00 p.m.
Come paint with us! Participants will be guided through an easy step-by-step tutorial to create their own painting. All adults welcome, and supplies are included.
Kwanzaa “Take and Play” Activity
Thursday, December 15
Celebrate African heritage during Kwanzaa by learning and playing achi, a game from Ghana dating back over 3,500 years. Kits include a gameboard, dried beans to use as game pieces, and instructions.
D.I.Y. Dreidel Craft
Wednesday, December 21, starts at 2:00 p.m.
You can “Take and Make” or “Stay and Decorate” your own dreidel. Game instructions are included, and kits are available while supplies last.
Club Create
Wednesday, December 28, starts at 2:00 p.m.
Our Club Create workshops for adults feature a new craft project each week, with instruction and materials provided.
Central Library, 2100 Park Place
BPL Season's Readings & Festive Eatings
All December long
Share the spirit of the holiday season with stories and recipes! Send your most treasured holiday memories and tastiest treat recipes to the BPL. Submissions will be published on the BPL’s website, social media, and in print throughout the month of December.
Submissions may be sent to BPL.Development@cobpl.org.
Getting the Most from Your DNA Ancestry Test
Monday, December 28, starts at 12:00 p.m.
Many people will receive DNA test kits as holiday gifts, but most of them will never experience the full array of features and benefits that come with their test results. Paul Boncella provides an overview of DNA testing basics, a guide to setting up your account for full access, a preview of what you can expect to find in the results, and suggestions on how you can optimize your DNA ancestry experience. This program is virtual via Zoom. Call 205-226-3665 for more information.
Five Points West Regional Branch Library, 4812 Avenue W
Color Your Holidays
(All December long during library operating hours, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. )
Unwind with a themed coloring sheet.
Holiday Word Search
(All December long during library operating hours, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
Join us to complete a holiday word search puzzle.
Christmas Crafts, Cookies, Cocoa, and Carols
Wednesday, December 14, 10:30—11:30 a.m.
Seniors only.
'Tis the season for crafts, cookies, and carols.
Five Points West Library
Holiday Open House
Monday, December 19, from 12:00—2:00 p.m.
Join us in our annual Holiday Open House. Enjoy snacks, crafts, karaoke, and holiday cheer. For all ages.
Christmas Craft Break
Tuesday, December 20—Thursday, 22, from 12:00—2:00 p.m.
Join us for a fun Christmas craft in the Youth Department. For children and teens.
North Avondale Branch Library, 501 43rd Street N
Snowman Soup
Thursday, December 1, from 3:00—4:00 p.m.
Come into North Avondale Library and grab a Snowman Soup Kit. It will come in handy on a cold day!
Christmas Ornament Crafts
Tuesday, December 6, from 3:00—4:00 p.m.
Children will be able to create a Gingerbread or Santa Claus ornament.
Polar Express Day
Tuesday, December 8, from 3:00—5:00 p.m.
All aboard the Polar Express for a time filled with crafts, a movie, and fun with the North Avondale Staff! We will have light refreshments and a little something from Santa.
Snowman Kit
Tuesday, December 13
Hey, kids do you want to build a snowman? Come in to North Avondale and pick up your snowman kit while supplies last.
North Birmingham Regional Branch Library, 2501 31st Avenue N
All Ages
Grab & Go Craft: Christmas Tree
Tuesday, December 6, during business hours 9:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m.
Celebrate the joys of Christmas by trimming this little Christmas tree. Available while supplies last starting Tuesday, December 6.
Holiday Open House
Monday, December 12 starts at 4:00 p.m.
Get in the Christmas spirit by attending North Birmingham Library's Holiday Open House! There will be snacks, music, crafts, and a guest appearance from Santa himself! Activities will be available for all ages.
Youth Department
Santa’s Workshop
Thursday, December 1
Spread Christmas joy by making a keepsake Christmas ornament and a festive Christmas card. Available while supplies last.
Holidays Around the World Scavenger Hunt
Thursday, December 1
Have fun learning about holidays around the world by searching the youth department for clues in this holiday-themed scavenger hunt!
Christmas Tree Craft
Tuesday, December 6
Celebrate the joys of Christmas by trimming this little Christmas tree. Available while supplies last.
Christmas Adventures in Storyland with Miss Pamela
Wednesday, December 7 starts at 10:30 a.m.
Put on your Santa hat, grab your bells, and dash into storytime with Miss Pamela for stories, songs, and a craft celebrating Christmas around the world!
Art Attack
Wednesday, December 7
Explore holidays around the world by painting Christmas scenes from around the world. Available while supplies last.
Grab & Go Craft: Santa
Tuesday, December 13
Ho! Ho! Ho! Join in the Christmas fun with this jolly Santa craft. Available while supplies last.
Eatable Creations: Christmas Tree
Wednesday, December 14
Join us for this holiday treat by trimming an eatable Christmas tree! Available while supplies last.
Rudolph the Reindeer Puppet Craft
Tuesday, December 20
Join the reindeer games by making this adorable Rudolph puppet. Available while supplies last.
Adult Department Programs
Christmas Rebus Puzzles & Word Search
All December long
Let’s celebrate Christmas! Come and join us at North Birmingham Branch and complete our Christmas activity sheets all month long!
Device Drop- in
Every Friday from 2:30 p.m.—5:30 p.m.
Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way! “Drop” by every Friday to receive basic assistance for your electronic devices!
Slide City
Every Wednesday from 10:30 a.m.—12:00 p.m.
Join us as we “slide” into the holidays with this fun-filled dance program! Learn how to do the electric slide this Christmas!
Stop, Drop, & Breathe
Every Tuesday from 10:30 a.m.—11:30 a.m.
Release your holiday stress and disconnect from the hustle and bustle! Come join us at North Birmingham Branch for this relaxing breathing & meditation class!
Powderly Branch Library, 3301 Jefferson Avenue
Photo Snow Globe Craft
Tuesday, December 6, starts at 3:00 p.m.
Kids ages 5 to 11 can make their own snow globes with their photos inside for a nice wintry scene or gift idea! Must reserve a seat; call 205-925-6178 to reserve.
Make Your Own Olaf Snowman
Wednesday, December 7, starts at 10:00 a.m.
Kids preschool to 11 can make their own Olaf snowman at the library and take it home. Must reserve a seat; call 205-925-6178 to reserve.
Disney’s Frozen: Snowgies Snowflakes Ornament
Thursday, December 8, starts at 3:00 p.m.
Kids ages 5 to 11 will make their own unique snowflakes with Snowgies (Olaf's friends) on them. Must reserve a seat; call 205-925-6178 to reserve.
Pratt City Branch Library, 509 Dugan Avenue
Pratt’s Fall Craft Corner
Thursday, November 30, starts at 10:00 a.m.
Love the change of seasons? Join us to make a fall craft. Supplies will be provided. For adults.
Grab N’ Go: Christmas Tree Craft
Monday, December 5—Thursday, 22, from 9:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m.
Create a beautiful tree to display for the holiday season.
Christmas Gift Bag Craft and Cookies
Wednesday, December 7, starts at 10:00 a.m.
Learn how to make a festive bag for your gifts this season.
Christmas Soap Making with The Burks
Wednesday, December 14, starts at 10:00 a.m.
Join us to learn the method of melt and pour soap making for Christmas.
Pratt’s Merry and Mingle Party
Friday, December 16, from 2:00— 5:00 p.m.
It’s time to help us spread some holiday cheer with friends and neighbors. Join us at the Pratt City Branch for treats, music, and trivia games.
Smithfield Branch Library, 1 8th Avenue W
Between the Lines
Mondays, December 5, 12, & 19, from 3:30—5:00 p.m.
Let your creativity flow as you color “Between the Lines” on an array of coloring sheets! Come join us for coloring and artistic fun for all ages!
Off the Hook Crochet
Tuesdays, December 6 & 20, from 10:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m.
Let your crochet creativity flow with yarns that will make you want to dye! I promise this class will be “Off the Hook!” Come join us for a fun-filled crochet event!
Movie Mania Christmas
Wednesdays, December 7, 14, 21, & 28 from 10:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m.
Lights! Camera! Action! @ Smithfield! Feast your eyes on this Movie Classic!
Anime-nia
Thursdays, December 1, 8, 15, & 22, from 3:30—5:00 p.m.
It’s time for anime-nia where we watch anime old and new. Bring your tasty snacks and join us at Smithfield Library.
Chill Mode
Fridays, December 2, 9, 16, & 30, from 3:30-5:00 p.m.
You think you got what it takes to win? “Game On!” So you think you bad? “Game On!”
Come join us for a variety of exciting games, guaranteed fun and laughs!
Painting with a Passion
Wednesday, December 16, from 10:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m.
A fun day of socializing and creativity while painting with a passion!! You will leave with a personal work of art to take with you. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Call 205-324-8428 to register or email sequoria.lewis@cobpl.org
Toys For Tots Giveaway
Monday, December 19, from 1:00—4:00 p.m.
Dashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh!! Delivering toys for tots to Smithfield Library all day!! You can drop off your unwrapped gift at our location and donate to ensure less fortunate kids receive their Christmas wish!! Distribution is December 19th. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED! Call 205-324-8428 to register or email sequoria.lewis@cobpl.org.
Southside Branch Library, 1814 11th Avenue S
Grab N’ Go: Holiday Hand Wreath
Monday, December 5—Thursday, 22, from 9:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m.
This family Grab N’ Go Kit will bring together the family to create a unique holiday hand wreath that can be hung in the home or even on the front door. What makes it so unique is that you will trace your hands or the kids’ hands.
Beads & Bangles
Thursday, December 8, starts at 10:00 a.m.
Let’s create some beads and make some bangles. They will make awesome gifts for the holidays or other occasions.
Cocoa & Crafts
Wednesday, December 14, starts at 4:00 p.m.
Let’s whip up some last-minute decorations/gifts for the Holidays while enjoying a cup of cocoa.
Grab N’ Go: Hanukkah 3-D Card
Monday, December 19—Thursday, 22, from 9:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m.
In an effort to celebrate Hanukkah, you can stop by and Grab N’ Go Kit to create a greeting card to share with family and friends during this sacred and festive week.
Kwanzaa Krafts
Monday, December 28, from 11:00 a.m.—12:30 p.m.
During the week of Kwanzaa, we will recognize and celebrate Ujima, Collective Work & Responsibility. Crafts symbolic of Ujima and other principles will be created along with a chat about the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa.
Springville Road Regional Branch Library, 1224 Old Springville Road
Holiday Open House
Thursday, December 1, from 10:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.
This program is for all ages. The Springville Road Regional Branch Library invites you and your family to stop by, meet the staff, browse the shelves, and enjoy light refreshments. There will be adult & children’s make and take crafts (while supplies last). Need a library card? Stop by our Circulation Desk, new cards and replacement cards are FREE!
Win a Free Gingerbread House Decorating Kit
Thursday, December 1
Help the Gingerbread Man escape! Decorate him/her to look like your favorite book character. Pick up your Gingerbread Man template from the Youth Department beginning December 1st. Return your design by December 16. Winners will be announced Tuesday, December 20th. Winners will win a Gingerbread House decorating kit!
Festive Film Friday
Friday, December 9, starts at 10:00 a.m.
Watch a festive holiday film and enjoy snacks!
Crafts, Conversation, and Community
Monday, December 12, starts at 11:00 a.m.
Join us as we make fire glass Christmas trees.
Sewing: Christmas Potholders
Friday, December 16, starts at 9:30 a.m.
This is an adults program. Learn how to make these festive potholders.
Interactive Movie “ELF!”
Monday, December 19, from 10:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m.
Watching films are so much fun and with this film you can’t go wrong… You get to watch AND interact AND to play along! All supplies are provided, we have everything you’ll need. Grab your folks and join us and you’ll have fun indeed! Call 205-226-4085 for movie details and information!
Holiday Craft
Monday, December 19, starts at 4:00 p.m.
Come by the Youth Department for a fun holiday craft! Today we will make a sweet candy cane elf. Then while you’re here browse the shelf! All materials provided!
The Nightmare Before Christmas Movie
Tuesday, December 20, starts at 10:00 a.m.
The weather outside is frightful, but the movies are so delightful! If you’ve got no place to go... come by and watch the show! Call 205-226-4085 for movie details and information!
Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel
Tuesday, December 20, starts at 4:00 p.m.
Come and play Hanukkah Dreidel and learn a Jewish holiday game. Participants will get a dreidel and Hanukkah gelt.
Kids
Jingle Bell Rock Yoga
Wednesday, December 21, starts at 4:00 p.m.
Join us for some holiday-inspired yoga poses and a story or two!
Holiday Double Feature: Welcome to Whoville!
Thursday, December 22, showings at 10:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
We’ll have a Grinchmas good time! Wear your ugly sweater (We think you’ll look fine!) This holiday movie is one with surprises, the character’s heart will expand three sizes! We think these movies are sure to please, they have sleighs and presents and Christmas trees! These two films will be fun for all! Call for more movie details and information 205-226-4085.
Bring Your Holiday Board Games to Play!
Tuesday, December 27 10:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.
Did you get a new board game over the holiday? Bring it to the library, we would love to play! We can play an old familiar one or learn to play one that is new. Want to try something different, we have board games for check out too! Our board games check out for one week at a time. While you’re here, be sure to browse games for kids, teens, and adults!
Abominable Movie
Wednesday, December 28, starts at 10:00 a.m.
Winter is upon us, and I hope that you are ready…. if you watch the film to today you just might see a yeti! There will be action and lots of snow…. Come on by and watch the show! Call 205-226- 4085 for movie details and information!
Are You Yeti To Craft?
Wednesday, December 28, starts at 4:00 p.m.
Come make a Yeti in the snow, then take it with you when you go! Today we will make a paper plate Yeti craft!
Ice Age Movie Marathon Day!
Thursday, December 29, starts at 10:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.
Wear your jammies or PJ’s and bring your blanket too! We’re gonna watch movies ALL DAY and we’re sharing them with you! Join us anytime between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. for back-to-back movies with an icy theme. Call 205-226-4085 for movie details and information!
Titusville Branch Library, 2 6th Avenue SW
Tuesday, December 6, from 3:30—5:30 p.m.
Titusville Library works hard each year to provide new and engaging engagement programs and activities in the community. The library will host its first Christmas Resource Day. Thanks to Nasiha Roho Adinasi Fraternity Incorporated and Be Kind for helping sponsor this event. We only have 50 available slots, so call the library to register as soon as possible! If you have new items to donate, please contact Reba Williams at 205-322-1140 or Reba.Williams@Cobpl.org. All Donations can be dropped off at the library.
Titusville Library Senior Resource Day
Wednesday, December 7, from 10:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m.
Join us for our monthly spotlight on seniors, this time focused on the holidays.
Senior Holiday Dance
Tuesday, December 13, from 10:30 a.m.—12:00 p.m.
Titusville will host its first Christmas Dance for the seniors in the community.
Winter Holiday Gnomes
Tuesday, December 13, from 3:30—4:30 p.m.
Making gnomes for the holidays!
Titusville Library Presents Community Holiday Fiesta
Tuesday, December 13, from 3:30—5:30 p.m.
Titusville Library hosts its second annual community holiday party.
Book Club Annual Holiday Party
Wednesday, December 14, starts at 2:30 p.m.
This is the Titusville Branch Book Club's annual holiday party. This month we gather together to share fellowship and the joy of the season. Registration is mandatory. Call 205-322-1140 to register.
Let’s Get Winter Ready
Monday, December 19, from 12:00—1:00 p.m.
Learn how to maneuver through winter without over-extending your holiday budget.
Winter Holiday Glow Jars
Tuesday, December 27, from 3:30—4:30 p.m.
Learn how to use mason jars to light up the night this holiday season.
West End Branch Library, 1348 Tuscaloosa Avenue SW
Holiday Recipes
Monday, November 28, & Mondays, December 5, 12, & 19
Pick up a pie or cake recipe each week. Enjoy baking them during the holiday season for your friends and family.
Christmas Spectacular
Tuesday, December 6, from 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Join us for the annual West End Christmas Spectacular. Plenty of food and entertainment will be provided. Community members will share a catered meal together while enjoying an entertaining program. They will have an opportunity to share their memories of living the West End neighborhood.
Woodlawn Branch Library, 5709 1st Avenue N
Decorative Stocking Craft
Thursday, December 1 through Thursday, December 22
Create your own decorative stocking with this take-home holiday craft! All materials will be provided.
Painting for the Holidays
Tuesday, December 20, and Thursday, December 22, both starting at 4:00 p.m.
Paint a holiday ornament to take home with you! All materials will be provided.
Wylam Branch Library, 4300 7th Avenue
TGIF Holiday Craft
Friday, December 2, starts at 10:00 a.m.
Adults will create a make and take craft with a holiday theme.
Wylam Afterschool Club Holiday Fun and Games
Tuesday, December 13, starts at 3:30 p.m.
Children will participate in holiday fun and create a Christmas ornament.
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