Birmingham Public Library Blog

Award-winning author Cheryl Head is coming to the Central Library this Thursday, August 3, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. to discuss her latest book,  Time's Undoing . Head pulls from her family's history to tell the story of a young Black journalist searching for answers to the unsolved murder of her great-grandfather. 

Join the Central Library on Saturday, August 5, 2023, 1:00–3:00 p.m., for Bare Hands Inc.'s first Memorial Altar Box Art Classes!  These all-ages art classes are free, and all materials are provided. Snacks, too! Learn more about Día de los Muertos celebrations by creating a unique altar for a loved one.  You can  register for a memorial altar box art class here !

Science professionals, teachers, and just plain tinkerers will conduct hands-on science experiments alongside Birmingham's youngest citizens at this year's annual Math and Science Day. The program will take place Saturday, July 29, 2023, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the auditorium of the Five Points West Regional Branch Library , on 4812 Avenue W in Ensley.

After taking July off, Bards & Brews returns the first Friday of August with an Open Mic and special guest Viola Ratcliffe, who will share more information about becoming the City of Birmingham's first Poet Laureate . Good People Brewing Company is providing the beers!

Join  Springville Road Regional Branch Library   for their  first annual   Children's Health and Information Fair   on Saturday, August 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.! Local organizations will share information on various topics related to families, children, and wellness from birth to 18 years old. There will also be free eye exams, free haircuts, door prizes, and giveaways.

Antonia Gavrihel will hold an author talk about her Back to One series at Southside Library on Aug. 2 Birmingham, Ala.— Ever wonder how a successful novelist comes up with the words that create a best-selling book? Learn that and more as author Antonia Gavrihel speaks at the Southside Branch Library on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at 1:00 p.m.

   Vallean Jackson, with daughter Valiyah, 4, who inspired her Adventures with Liyah  children's book series. Her 7th book, It’s Time To Unpack: A Self-Healing Journal,  will be released on July 27.        Birmingham, Ala. - Vallean Jackson, 30, has done something few have done at such a young age – publish six books. Her seventh book, It's Time to Unpack: A Self-Healing Journal, will be released on July 27, 2023. In May 2023, Jackson released “Adventures With Liyah- Walking Through the Ocean,” the latest adventure of the little girl whose name was inspired by Jackson’s own 4-year-old daughter, Valiyah. “I long ago had the dream to write a children’s book, but when I first shared my idea it was shot down,” Jackson recalled. “About the time my daughter was born, she was the inspiration I needed to pursue my dream and push through until it was brought to life. I am just truly grateful to be able to see my dream come true. Even years later, it’s still mind blowing.”  Vallean Jack

Birmingham, Ala.  - Attention businesses and organizations working in the field of economic and community development seeking funding opportunities in Birmingham.  The City of Birmingham is requesting proposals from organizations working in economic and community development through the Building Opportunities for Lasting Development (BOLD) funding program , which awards funds to successful proposals for programming and services that advance economic development, resilience, and mobility in Birmingham. The request for proposals opened July 7, 2023 and closes at 5:00 p.m. on August 7, said Rachel Buchan, Manager of Special Projects for the City of Birmingham Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity. BOLD is in its sixth year, and has funded some organizations doing great work throughout the city.  More information can be found by clicking here and on the flyer above.  The City of Birmingham aims to cast a wide net for applications, especially in Birmingham’s neighborhoods. I

  Titusville Library's Summer Reading programs included a free golf camp for kids . BPL's 2023 Summer Reading programs conclude in July. Dozens of 2023 Summer Reading programs held at the Birmingham Public Library are winding down as August approaches.  Titusville Branch Library has hosted a season of excitement, creativity, and imaginative programs throughout June and July as part of its summer reading initiative. Library Branch Manager Reba Williams says Titusville patrons were able to embark on an unforgettable journey of adventure, gaming, arts and crafts, and the joy of journaling. Programs included an “All Together Fortnite Party” (July 12), a golf camp for kids and teens held in June , a Summer Arts & Crafts Series with Parke Memorial Campers and the Let's Journal Writing Program which inspired individuals to express themselves through writing and discovery of the joy of journaling.  Below are the last three Summer Reading activities taking place at Titusville

Retired Birmingham City Schools Arts Teacher Susan Pearson is leading Five Points Regional Library's "Art in Nature" Summer Art Series and "Adult Sip n Paint" free art classes during July   Birmingham, Ala. – Attention youth and adults who desire to take their love of art to the next level. Five Points West Regional Library is hosting a Summer Art Series in July as part of the Birmingham Public Library's 2023 Summer Learning programs. Retired Birmingham art teacher Susan Pearson will take 10 students on an artistic journey through nature. Space in the “Arts in Nature” series is limited, and registration is on a first-come-first-serve basis. Stop by Five Points West Library at 4812 Avenue W to register.  In addition to the youth art series, Ms. Pearson is teaching a “Five Points West Adult Sip n’ Paint” class on Wednesday, July 26, at 11:30 a.m.  Come channel your inner Jacob Lawrence as Ms. Pearson helps participants create masterpieces on canvas while

North Avondale Branch Library offers Mindfulness Mondays and Storytime for their July All Together Now Summer Reading programs. On Mondays, patrons can learn about social-emotional wellness and learn new skill sets to aid with emotional intelligence. Every Thursday is Storytime at North Avondale Library! New themes, stories, songs, and crafts are featured each week. 

Join Pratt City Branch Library as they wrap up their last few All Together Now Summer Reading programs! The last two summer reading programs they are hosting this month are a Kids Movie Day on Friday, July 14, for children and their parents and a Classic Family Movie on Wednesday, July 19, for all ages. Both programs come with popcorn!

  On Wednesday, August 2, 2023, BPL's Southside Branch Library is proud to host Birmingham area writer Antonia Gavrihel ,  author of the award winning Back to One  book series.    Beginning at 1:00 p.m., Antonia Gavrihel will share her journey in creating this series of books along with her writing process. Gavrihel will also read selected passages from her latest book. Released in 2021, Back to One   was recognized as a Finalist in the Chick Lit category for the National Excellence in Indie Literature and shortlisted for the Chanticleer International Book Award.  Back to One  is the story of Catherine Leigh and Kyle Weston, who appear to have the perfect friendship—deep, lasting, and platonic. Friendship without sex? The world of gossip doesn’t buy it.  You see, Catherine is beautiful, trusting, and married. Kyle is single, charming, a handsome movie star with a tabloid reputation. Their bond may be magical and honest, but will the boundaries they have created to protect their f

The West End Branch Library hosts free chess classes every Wednesday afternoon. Mr. Eddie Billingsley with New South Coalition helps students learn the rules and strategies involved in the game.  

East Ensley Library has a few programs going on this month they want to share in their All Together Now Summer Reading Spotlight!  You may have been to other storytimes before, but East Ensley's interactive storytimes come with a craft, too! They are also offering a Tuesday Movie Matinee for adults to enjoy a movie and a snack. Keep reading to see what else East Ensley is offering!

The Springville Road Regional Branch Library will hold its first annual Children's Health and Information Fair on Saturday, August 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.! The library will host local community organizations to share information on various topics related to families and children from birth to 18 years old. During the fair, there will be door prizes and giveaways. Children can also enjoy hula-hooping, line dancing, and more!

  Would you be a death doula? Have you ever even heard of the profession before?   Recently, I read The Collected Regrets of Clover , a new release and debut novel by Mikki Brammer. In it, the main character, Clover, is a death doula. A death doula is someone who stays with someone as they pass away and provides comfort, companionship, and helps the process for all those involved. The story follows Clover as she journeys to find the long-lost companion of Claudia, a dying elderly woman who regrets not following the love she found when she was young. Throughout the adventure, Clover stumbles upon her own romance and friendship, something she never thought she wanted. With her own grief and regrets, and the ones she hears from her clients, she feels out of place and stuck. Bit by bit, through the people she meets and the paths she follows, she’s able to start working through her regrets and learn how to live, not just die. I love characters that pull you in and make you wish they were re

A date has been set for the Birmingham Public Library (BPL)'s 2023 Classic Cocktails: Tuesday, October 24, 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Central Library downtown. This second annual BPL fundraising event, Classic Cocktails , is the perfect way to kick off your Magic City Classic week by reconnecting with alumni from Alabama State and Alabama A&M, and making new friends.  The Magic City Classic  between Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University not only draws the largest crowd among the nation's HBCU football classics. It is also the biggest networking event for African-Americans in Alabama, drawing as many tailgaters or more outside Legion Field than the more than 60,000 who pack into the stadium to watch the football game and the  Battle of the Bands  between the  Alabama A&M Marching Bulldogs and the Alabama State Marching Hornets.

   What:  Closing Reception for Bib & Tucker Sew-Op Presents "The March Quilts: A Celebration of Arts and Activism"  When : Saturday, July 8, 1:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m. Where:  The  Central Library  1st Floor Grand Commons, 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203 Birmingham, Ala.  -  Bib & Tucker Sew-Op  and  The March Quilts Project  are hosting a closing reception from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. this Saturday, July 8 at the  Birmingham Public Library downtown . The display, called "The March Quilts: A Celebration of Arts and Activism," is on the first floor of the  Central Library, 2100 Park Place.  It has been popular among library visitors since opening for public view on May 6.  The March Quilts  is an annual community art project that sheds light on a theme of civil or human rights through open sewing sessions during which participants can express their feelings about the topic through hand sewing, said Lillis Taylor, chief financial officer of Bib & Tucker Sew-Op,

  2023 Summer Reading continues at the Birmingham Public Library through the end of July.   There are dozens of fun, free activities for patrons of all ages to choose from.   Click on the BPL calendar to see the full list.  Here are some of the Summer Reading programs happening from Thursday, July 6 through the end of July. Mysteries at the Library, Thursday, July 6, July 11, July 13, July 25, July 27, all from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Inglenook Branch Library  - Pick up a grab-and-go mystery kit, featuring a different mystery every week. Pick the right suspect and get your name on the Master Sleuth Wall!   "YOU" Collage Grab and Go Craft, Thursday, July 6 through Thursday, July 20, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Powderly Branch Library  Grab this craft to make at home. Express yourself and create a visual of who you are and who you want to be in a colorful collage of words and shapes.  Is It Growing Yet? Thursday, July 6, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Southside Branch Library Kids, as