Celebrate Spring Break With Over 40 Free Activities at Birmingham Public Library

 

Birmingham, Ala. - Looking for fun family activities while students in grades K-12 are on Spring Break this week? 

The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) has over 40 free events and programs to take advantage of at libraries across the city. Among other Spring Break programs at BPL happening this week through this Thursday (BPL is closed for Easter weekend on Friday and Saturday, March 29-30): 

 •  From today through Thursday, March 28, stop by Pratt City Branch Library for  Barbie’s World.” Come learn about Barbie's history and many careers while examining her iconic fashion.

 • Chocolate Games: Let the Games Begin!, Today, Tuesday, March 26, 4:00 p.m. Let the games begin! Break up into different teams as you compete against one another in different games that all involve chocolate! Learn a few facts about chocolate as the games go on. 

 • Standing On Business Summit, Today, Tuesday, March 26, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Stop by Titusville Branch to learn more about the skills you can use to enhance your life! Titusville Branch is also hosting a Mental Health Summit on Wednesday, March 27.

 • At 6:00 p.m. today, Tuesday, March 26, Avondale Regional Library hosts “Dynamic Dinosaur Adventures.” Join us for a family night of fun as The Science Lady, Jan Mattingly, helps us unleash our inner paleontologist. 

 Check out the full list of BPL Spring Break activities by location below: 

BPL Mobile: City Walk Playground, 901 25th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203, Tuesday, March 26, 1:00-2:00 p.m.

The Birmingham Public Library’s Bookmobile, BPL Mobile, will be at CityWalk in downtown Birmingham. BPL Mobile provides free access to internet and computers, games, programs, and services, such as printing and checkout of library materials such as books and DVDs. 

Avondale Regional Library, 509 40th St. South, Birmingham, AL 35222, Ph. (205) 226-4000

Story Stroll (all week)

– Beginning today, March 25, take a break from your very, very busy day with a storybook stroll through the Avondale Park. After enjoying Eric Carle’s picture book “The Very Busy Spider”, come into the library and check out more of our favorite stories. 

 Let’s get busy! Tuesday, March 26, 6:00 p.m.

 Dynamic Dinosaur Adventures! Dynamic Dinosaur Adventures - Tuesday, March 26, 6:00 pm. Join us for a family night of fun as The Science Lady, Jan Mattingly, helps us unleash our inner paleontologist. From Tyrannosaurus Rex to the Dilong we like them all. You'll have an opportunity to touch fossils and meet a few animals that were around during the age of the dinosaur. You are sure to dig it! 

Club Create, Wednesday, March 27, 2:00-3:00 p.m. 

Join us every Wednesday for a fun and entertaining arts & crafts workshop for adults! Instruction and supplies are provided, and a different craft project is featured each week. For information, contact Ellen Griffin Shade at 205-226-4000 or email ellen.griffen@cobpl.org. 

Storytime with Ms. Cas: "Know How," Thursday, March 28, 10:30 a.m.

Join us for a morning of action-packed preschool "know how" storytime fun. Groups are welcome but registration is required (205) 226-4003. 

Check out 3 Free Art Exhibits at Central Library downtown

 While out on Spring Break, come as a family and check out these 3 free art exhibits on display at the Central Library downtown:

Misty Bennett: Candy Crush, First Floor Gallery, Central Library.  

This exhibition features vibrant oil paintings of abstract food imagery that express the artist's perspective on both the surplus and scarcity of food in American society. Through the use of color and texture, Bennett explores the notion of food as a metaphor for our psychological and emotional states of being. 

 Stacey Holloway: Othernesses,  First Floor Lobby Gallery, Central Library. 

This exhibition features intriguing animal sculptures and other creations by artist Stacey Holloway. Through the exploration of storytelling and ethology, Holloway creates work that communicates a universal societal connectivity.

Voices Carry: Art by Alabama Women,  4th Floor Gallery, Central Library. 

In celebration of Women's History Month, the Birmingham Public Library announces a new art exhibition featuring works by 20 artists.

STEM Camp for Homeschooled Students, Thursday, March 28, 2024 

The Birmingham Public Library is offering STEM programming for our homeschool students, courtesy of the Central Library Youth Department. The class being held during Spring Break Week is Thursday, March 28: “Original Snap Circuits.” Click here to see the full schedule and how to register. 

Five Points West Regional Library, 4812 Avenue West, ,Ph. 205-226-4015

 Chair Yoga With Ms. Bridgette, Wednesday, March 27, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 

Get fit by participating in chair yoga exercises with Ms. Bridgette. For information, contact Monica Cottrell at monica.cottell@cobpl.org or by calling 205-226-4015 

Google Slides, Thursday, March 28, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 

Create word processing documents using Google Docs. For information, contact Karen Jackson at 205-226-4016 or email karen.jackson@cobpl.org 

 Inglenook Branch Library, 4100 40th Terrace North, (205) 847-8739

 Storytime, Tuesday, March 26, 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Join us for an afterschool story time with crafts, songs and snacks Tuesdays in March. For information, contact Shannon Austin at 205-849-8739 or email Shannon.austin@cobpl.org. 

 North Avondale Branch Library, 501 43rd Street North, (205) 592-2082

 North Avondale Library Coding Club, Monday, March 25, 3-4 p.m.

 Join us as we learn to code, build a mobile app, and develop our own Artificial Intelligence project. We will also play fun games on Code.org and Scratch.com. For information, contact Olivia Evans at 205-592-2082 or via email at Olivia.evans@cobpl.org. 

North Birmingham Regional Library, 2501 31st Avenue North, (205) 226-4025

 Trio EOC of UAB is Here, Monday, March 25, 1:00-3:00 p.m. 

Trio Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) provides adults of all economic, social, and educational backgrounds the skills they need to continue their educational aspirations. This program is federally funded and all services they will be providing while at the North Birmingham Public Library will be free of charge to any participants who meet eligibility requirements. It is our hopes that this program will provides opportunities for upward mobility. 

Barbershop Talk, North Birmingham Library, 6:00-8:00 p.m., Monday, March 25

Join North Birmingham Regional Library, 2501 31st Avenue North, on Monday, March 25 as it hosts Barbershop Talk, a follow up to a similar barbershop talk session for men held on February 26 that featured Dr. John Baldwin as speaker. This free program from 6:00 to 8:00  p.m. on Monday night will provide the atmosphere of a barbershop, a safe space for men both young and old to discuss social issues in our communities. 

The keynote speaker will be Birmingham native Jarrod Sims, a Huffman High School graduate and former U.S. Navy serviceman and executive at Syms Contractors, a Birmingham construction firm founded by his father, Jimmy Sims, in 1994.   

 Clear Mind Meditations, Tuesday, March 26, 12:00 p.m.

 This is a A weekly guided meditation program where patrons will be allowed to unwind with their peers and enjoy the relaxation that we get from guided meditation. For details click on this blog 

 Bad Art Night, Tuesday, March 26, 1:00-4:00 p.m.

 Come and join North Birmingham for a bad art night where patrons will compete to make the worst art project possible. At the end of the event, attendees will vote on the worst art project created. The winner will win a poorly constructed crown that reads, "Bad at art" -Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

 A Conversation with Yolanda Flowers, Thursday, March 28, 1-3 p.m. 

A conversation with Yolanda Flowers allows for everyone to get to know the 2022 African American female Governor candidate. She will give insight into her life and her political journey all in one! For information contact Lutheria Jackson at 205-226-4028 or email lutherie.jackson@cobpl.org. 

Powderly Branch Library, 3301 Jefferson Avenue SW, (205) 925-6178

Powderly Branch Library Home Sweet Tote Bag, Tuesday, March 26, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

Create your own tote bag with colorful designs from colorful scrap fabrics. For more information, contact Megan Green at 205-925-6178 or via email at megan.green@cobpl.org. 

Pratt City Branch Library Barbie's World, Monday through Thursday, March 25-28, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Come learn about Barbie's history and many careers while examining her iconic fashion. This exhibit explores all things Barbie! For more information, contact Branch Manager Saundra Ross by calling 205-791-4997 or emailing Saundra.ross@cobpl.org. 

Margaret F. Rudkin: Her Story, Thursday, March 28, 1:30- 2:30 p.m. 

Join us to learn about the remarkable life of an American businesswoman and the Pepperidge Farm Story. 

Smithfield Library, 1 8th Avenue West, (205) 324-8428 

 Empowering Women Self-Care Kit, Monday, March 25, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Get a Self-Care kit for women in honor of Women's History Month. For information contact Amber Jackson at 205-324-8428 or via email at amber.jackson@cobpl.org.

I Am Woman Movie Series, Wednesday, March 27, 3:30 p.m.– 5:30 p.m. 

Join us for our Women's History Month Movie Series 

Off the Hook Crochet, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

Join in the fun. Come crochet with us. For information, contact Sequoria Lewis at (205) 324-8428 or email sequoria.lewis@cobpl.org.

Anime-ia, Thursday, March 28, 3:30-4:30 p.m. 

Anime for kids of all ages to watch at Smithfield Library 

 Southside Branch Library, 1814 11th Avenue South, (205) 933-7776

Stand Up Egg Grab n Go Kit, Monday – Thursday, March 25-28, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

This Grab N' Go kit allows family to come together and create these fun, colorful eggs for Easter. Kids can share these fun eggs with family, put them in their Easter Egg Basket, as well as decorate the home for Easter. 

Springville Road Regional Library, 1224 Old Springville Road, 205-226-4081 

Big & Tiny Board Games, Monday, March 25, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Board games can be any size, from teeny tiny to life-sized. Come play a variety of family friendly board games. The game size may vary, but all will be big fun! All ages welcome! For information, contact Vincent Solfronk at 205-226-4085 or email Vincent.solfronk@cobpl.org.

Group Storytime, Tuesday, March 26, 9:30 a.m.

Our group storytime is open to all groups, however, you must call ahead and register in advance. We will have songs, dancing, and stories geared towards preschool age children. Call (205) 226-4085 to reserve your group’s spot. 

Family Storytime, Wednesday, March 27, 10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Open to children of all ages but geared towards pre-school children. Come hear some great stories, sing and dance, and have great fun! We also have extension activities afterwards so stay and play! For information, contact Vincent Solfronk at 205-226-4085 or email Vincent.solfronk@cobpl.org.

Chocolate Games: Let the Games Begin!, Tuesday, March 26, 4:00 p.m.

Let the games begin! Break up into different teams as you compete against one another in different games that all involve chocolate! Learn a few facts about chocolate as the games go on. 

Family Storytime, Wednesday, March 27, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

Open to children of all ages, but geared towards pre-school children. Come hear some great stories, sing and dance, and have great fun! ! For information, contact Vincent Solfronk at 205-226-4085 or email Vincent.solfronk@cobpl.org. 

 Craft-a-Palooza, Wednesday, March 27, 2:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. 

Join us for an afternoon of crafting fun! We have lots of crafts that will be set out during this time. Stay and make a variety of crafts! 

Tape Town!, Thursday, March 28, 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

We've turned out meeting room into a tiny town. Come have fun playing with cars & trucks in our little library village. Kids 5 years and younger will meet at 10 a.m.; Kids 6 years and up will gather at 4 p.m. For information, contact Vincent Solfronk at 205-226-4085 or email Vincent.solfronk@cobpl.org.

Titusville Branch Library,  #2 6th Avenue Southwest, (205) 322-1140

Sports Day, Monday, March 25, 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Please come to Titusville Branch to enjoy this outdoors-centered set of events, including the first football skills camp held at Titusville Branch! For information, contact Branch Manager Reba Williams at 205-322-1140 or email at reba.williams@cobpl.org.

Exchange Club Education, Tuesday, March 26, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Join us at Titusville Branch as we collaborate with the Exchange Club of Alabama to educate, motivate and support parents that come in for our Diaper Resource Day. For information, contact Reba Williams at 205-322-1140 or email her at reba.williams@cobpl.org. 

Follow Your Own North Star: a dramatization of the life of Harriet Tubman, portrayed by A. Faye Boykin, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 26 

Titusville Library will host a program featuring A. Faye Boykin, a distinguished author renowned for portrayal of Harriet Tubman, a pivotal figure in American history known for her courageous efforts in leading slaves to freedom through the Undergrown Railroad.

Standing On Business Summit, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Please stop by Titusville Branch to learn more about the skills you can use to enhance your life! . For information, contact Reba Williams at 205-322-1140 or email her at reba.williams@cobpl.org. 

Scrapbook Butterflies, Tuesday, March 26, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Please stop by Titusville Branch for the opportunity to craft your very own scrapbook butterflies! 

Art Day, Thursday, March 28, 12:00 p.m. -4:00 p.m. Please stop by Titusville Branch to participate in one or more of the numerous art-themed activities during this event! 

Health Summit, Wednesday, March 27, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Come to Titusville Branch to learn more about mental health. 

West End Branch Library,  1348 Tuscaloosa Avenue SW, (205) 226-4089

West End Crocheters, Wednesday, March 27, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

Learn to crochet or work on a project of your own. Enjoy a snack and the company of friends. Click on here to learn about the West End Crochetres who meet every Wednesday at West End Library. 

 For information, contact Lynn Hutchins at 205-226-4089 or email her at lynn.hutchins@cobpl.org.

Jigsaw Puzzle Club, Monday – Thursday, March 25-28, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Help us put together a jigsaw puzzle. We'd love for you to stop by any time to put some pieces in place. For information, contact Lynn Hutchins at 205-226-4089 or email her at lynn.hutchins@cobpl.org.

Woodlawn Branch Library, 5709 1st Avenue North, (205) 595-2001

Tax Preparation with AARP and SaveFirst, Monday, March 25 and Wednesday, March 27, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 

While off with your kids on Spring Break, get help in filling out your taxes at Woodlawn Branch, one of six BPL locations partnering with AARP and SaveFirst to offer free tax prep services this year.

The Women's History Crossword Puzzle , Thursday, March 28, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Woodlawn Branch is putting together a puzzle as a fun way to celebrate Women's History Month. The puzzle will be available throughout the month of March. For information, contact Zachary Lukemire at 205-595-2001 or via email at Zachary.lukemire@cobpl.org.