5 Ways to Celebrate National Library Week With the BPL
Throughout the week, there are different celebrations that highlight different aspects of library work and the community.
- Monday, April 8, is the Right to Read Day
- Tuesday, April 9, is National Library Workers Day
- Wednesday, April 10, is National Library Outreach Day
- Thursday, April 11, is Take Action for Library Days
1. Sign up for a library card
Anyone can get a library card, including out-of-state college students or people living in temporary housing, but you may need additional materials to get one depending on your situation. Typically, all you need to get a card is a photo I.D. and proof of address; if you're 14 and under, you will need a parent or guardian with you and their photo I.D. Library card sign-ups and card renewals can now be submitted online.
With your brand-new library card, you can check out all kinds books and movies, use the patron computers, and access digital resources outside of the BPL. Many libraries offer a library of things, allowing patrons to check out everyday items for a period of time. Through the BPL, our patrons can check out hotspots, blood pressure monitor kits, board games, video games, and STEAM kits. Your library card works at all BPL locations and JCLC locations, so you can access their library of things, too.
If you have any overdue charges on your account, use this coupon during National Library Week to take off up to $5.00 of those charges. This coupon is one-time use only and is limited to one per cardholder.
2. Try a library program
Library programs help patrons find community, try out different hobbies, or learn something new.
Specifically National Library Week themed, Springville Road Regional Branch Library and Five Points West Regional Branch Library have library week programs planned. On Wednesday, April 10, Springville Road Library is hosting Library 101 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. to introduce library users to all the services they offer; it's a great program to attend if you're getting a library card for the first time or haven't been to a library in a while. Five Points West Library is throwing a tea party for National Library Workers Day on Tuesday, April 9, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Join them for a nice chat over tea and sweets!
You can celebrate National Poetry Month with us, too, by attending our poetry programs. Check out our Calendar page to see all the programs we offer, and follow your local libraries on Facebook and Instagram for more updates.
3. Attend A Novel Tasting on Thursday, April 11
A Novel Tasting is the Birmingham Public Library's annual spring benefit. The third annual A Novel Tasting is happening at the Central Library on Thursday, April 11, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a special VIP reception from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Join us for an evening of live music by Sol Música; catered food; a silent auction; and a tasting of fine wines, craft beers, and local spirits. All tickets include a commemorative wine glass. Proceeds support programs at all BPL locations.
General Admission tickets are $75.00 per person and include 2 complimentary drink tickets. Two tickets can be bought in a bundle for $140.00 to save $10.00.
VIP tickets are $125.00 per person and include early entry with the reception, complimentary sparkling wine, unlimited drinks, and an event exclusive Tree of Knowledge shirt.
4. Check out our digital databases
When the library closes, we're still open online.
From our digital collections to our database subscriptions, the BPL offers virtual resources for all ages, covering an array of topics, like test preparation, history, genealogy, languages, and financial literacy to name a few. Browse the database listings to see everything we offer—the results may shock you.
Library apps are another great way to get the most out of your library card. If you haven't used these, check them out:
- Kanopy—a free streaming service with a collection of movies and show
- Libby + Craftsy—a library app with a collection of digital magazines, eBooks, and eAudiobooks that now offers instructional videos on hobbies and crafts through Craftsy
- Hoopla—a library app that offers similar items as Libby plus T.V. shows, movies, and music
- Freegal—a free music streaming service with a huge collection, including the labels of Sony Music Entertainment (Cowboy Carter anyone?)
5. Support your local library
Y'all are called patrons for a reason!
Showing up to your library and using our facilities and services supports us tremendously, especially in this era of dwindling third spaces. You can use your library for many things—getting passports, printing and faxing, notarizing documents, a work space with public use computers and free Wi-Fi, answering questions, and even as a bathroom stop.
Or have the library come to you by booking the BPL Mobile for you next event! Disabled patrons can apply for Books-By-Mail to get books mailed to them without having a library card. Fill out a Comment Card after these visits to share your experiences with our staff. You can also share your experiences by contacting your local and state government to let them know how much you value your library. If you'd like to support us further, donate money or items to The Friends Foundation of the BPL or volunteer with them in their bookstore.
Bonus: Buy Books from the Friends of the BPL!
Shop at the Friends Spring Booksale happening at the Central Library from Thursday, April 4, through Saturday, April 6. Over these three days, the Friends are offering their special $15.00 and $6.00 (plus tax) bag sale where patrons can purchase a bag for a flat-fee and take home as many books as they can fit in their bag! You can use this bag sale in the Spring Booksale area in the Grand Commons and in the Friends Bookstore. They have audio books, DVDs, CDs, LPs, vintage books, and more unique finds. The Friends also released their t-shirt in six new colors! Get a shirt that supports the library in new colors like berry, jade, royal blue, tweed, slate blue, and maroon.
The Spring Booksale hours are Thursday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Until the next Friends Booksale, you can visit their bookstore at the Central Library throughout the year; the Friends Bookstore hours are Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Proceeds from the Spring Booksale and the Friends Bookstore benefit the BPL and support programs and services at all of our libraries.
Follow the BPL on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter for more updates like this one.
By Cheyenne Trujillo | Library Assistant Ⅲ, Public Relations
Comments