Summer Reading 2024: Only 2 Weeks of Programs Remain at BPL this July
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On June 1, the Birmingham Public Library began hosting 256 free programs for patrons of all ages at 16 of our locations as part of 2024 Summer Reading, "Adventure Begins at Your Library."
There are only two weeks of Summer Reading programs left beginning today, July 17.
Among them:
* Paint and Sip Party at Inglenook Library at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 18
* Free senior fitness classes at 10:45 a.m. on Fridays at Titusville Branch Library
* Fashion Show at East Ensley Branch Library at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, July 22
* Make Bird Feeders, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Monday, July 22, Springville Road Regional Library
* P.M.A. (Power Monday Aerobics) At 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. on Mondays, July 22, 29 at Smithfield Library
* 3D Hot Air Balloon Craft at North Birmingham Regional Library at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 23
* PreSchool STEM, 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 23, Springville Road Regional Library - this story time event that encourages children that encourages children to discover and explore concepts in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM).
* "Paint Party" for all ages at North Avondale Library at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24
* Behind the Locked Door: Treasures of the BPL Rare Book Room in the BPL Research Library downtown, Wednesday, July 31, 2:00 p.m.
You can see the full list of Summer Reading programs by location by clicking on the BPL calendar and reading this blog below.
In addition to these programs, the Central Library downtown is hosting two free art exhibits open for viewing during library operating hours, Winfred Hawkins "Comedian" in the 4th Floor Gallery and sculpture artist Dale Lewis' "Cabinet of Curiosities" on the First Floor of the Central Library.
Here is a listing of upcoming Summer Reading programs happening during the last half of July:
Avondale Regional Library, 509 40th Street South Ph# (205) 226-4000
Adult Programs
Crochet/Knit Group, Saturday, July 20, 10:00 a.m.
Participants can relax, form friendships, and enjoy learning a new craft or improving their fiber art techniques. Open to all.
Avondale Adult Grab & Go for Grown-Ups - All day on Mondays in July - July 22, 29
Let's get crafting! Each Monday we'll feature a simple craft project that can be completed in the library or picked up as a kit to take home. Kits available while supplies last.
Club Create, 2:00 p.m. on Wednesdays in July – July 24, 31
Join our crafting adventures! Each week we’ll complete a simple craft, with materials and instruction provided. In July we’ll be decorating DIY Peg Games, creating mixed media hot air balloon canvases, crafting paracord “adventure bracelets,” and building and painting lady bug houses.
Central Library, 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35201 (205) 226-3600
Behind the Locked Door: Treasures of the BPL Rare Book Room, Wednesday, July 31, 2:00 p.m.
Patrons walk by this door all the time, but few get to see what's behind it. We invite you to step into the BPL's Rare Book Room and take a look at some of the library's great treasures. This program is happening in the Computer Lab located on the fourth floor of the BPL Research Library and virtually via Zoom. Only register if you would like to attend virtually. Call (205) 226-3665 to register.
East Ensley Library, 900 14th Street Ensley, Birmingham, AL 35218 (205) 787-1928
Board Game Palooza, Friday, July 19, 1:00 p.m.
Join East Ensley Branch for an afternoon of competition and fun. Today's board games will take you on adventures near and far.
Fashion Show, Monday, July 22, 3:00 p.m.
Come show off your fashion skills.
Inglenook Branch Library, 4100 41st Terrace N, Birmingham, AL 35217
Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (205) 848-8739
All Ages
Raffle Prize Drawings
All month long during library hours of operation
Enter to win by reading the books of your choosing! All month, patrons can increase the number of raffle drawings based on the number of books they complete. Contact the Inglenook Branch to learn more.
Guess the Gumballs!
All month long | During hours of operation
Make your best guess! If you guess the closest number of gumballs in the jar, you'll win something special.
Popsicle Palooza
Thursday, July 25
During hours of operation
Beat the summer heat and enjoy a popsicle on us!
Youth programs
Storytime Adventures
Tuesdays, July 23, 30 | 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Patrons will help read stories and make crafts based on the themes. Themes for Summer Reading include Camping, Rainforest, Art, and Fairy Tales.
Adult Programs
Paint and Sip Party
Thursday, July 18 | 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Unleash your inner artist as we provide all the supplies you need to craft your masterpiece, plus (non-alcoholic) beverages to sip on through the night!
North Avondale Branch Library, 501 43rd Street North, Birmingham, AL 35222
Ph. # (205) 592-2082
"Paint Party" (All Ages), 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24
Patrons of all ages are invited to join us for an afternoon of creative fun. Paint along with a guide or strike out on your own and let your imagination lead the way!
Coding Club, (Youth), 3:00 p.m. on Monday, July 22 and Monday, July 29
Join our weekly coding sessions and learn how to make apps, video games, and more!!
North Birmingham Regional Library, 2501 31st Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35207
Ph. # (205) 226-4025
3D Hot Air Balloon Craft, Tuesday, July 23, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Take off on an adventure in a hot air balloon that features a 3D balloon and a pulley system to make it fly. Craft kits will be available while supplies last.
Game On! Thursday, July 24, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Begin and adventure and get your game on! Several fun interactive gaming stations will be available.
Bob Ross Paint Along, Thursday, July 18, 1:00 p.m. (teens and adults)
Feel free to paint a beautiful scene and experience the joy of painting at the Bob Ross Paint Along.
Slide City: Chair Aerobics, 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 31 (adults)
Join North Birmingham Library for a trip through Slide City: Chair Aerobics! Guaranteed to be an exciting event.
Movie Matinee, Thursday, July 18, 1:15 p.m.
Enjoy an end of Summer Reading movie in the afternoon with popcorn to celebrate a summer well spent.
Pratt City Branch Library, 509 Dugan Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35214
(205) 791-4997
DIY Tote Bag, Friday, July 19, 2:00 p.m.
Join us and create your own book bag with the Summer Reading theme "Adventure Begins at Your Library"
Game Table Adventures, Thursday, July 25, 1:00 p.m.
Whether you're a competitive player or just happy to play and enjoy a social chat, come play some of everyone's favorite board games. Registration required.
Smithfield Branch Library
1 8th Ave W, Birmingham, AL 35204
M–F 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (205)324-8428
All Ages Programs
Free-To-Shop Mobile Store Wednesday, July 17 | Started at 10:00 a.m. as long as supplies last
Smithfield Library is partnering with Be Kind Birmingham to give away clothes, shoes, and personal items to patrons for free. Follow the Smithfield Library's Facebook page to discover the new ways they're serving you! This program is held in the Smithfield Library's parking lot.
Youth Programs
Grab and Go Crafts, Monday, July 22- Friday, July 26, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Join us in the reading area for artistic fun for all ages.
Between the Lines, 2:00-5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 22 and Monday, June 29
Let your creativity show as you color "Between the Lines" on an array of coloring sheets. Join us in the reading area for artistic fun for all ages.
Anime-nia, 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 18 and Thursday, July 25
It's time for Anime-nia where we watch anime old and new. Bring your tasty snacks and join us at Smithfield Library for loads of fun.
Chill Mode, 3:30 p.m. on Friday, July 19 and Friday, July 26
You think you've got what it takes to win? So you think you're bad? Join us for a variety of exciting games, guaranteed fun and laughs. Library meeting room.
Adult Programs
P.M.A. (Power Monday Aerobics)
Mondays, July 22, 29 | 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Make your Monday a fun day by moving your body with aerobics in the meeting room. Get a total body workout that will not only make you feel better but look better too! Water provided.
Southside Branch Library, 1814 11th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205 Ph # (205) 933-7776
Make Your Own Pressed Flower Bookmarks, Monday through Friday, July 15-19, 9:00 a.m.
Teens and Adults.
Save your place in your next book with a beautiful, pressed flower bookmark. Drop by and pick up a grab n 'go kit so that you can create your own unique and personalized bookmark. Kits are available while supplies last.
Titusville Branch Library, #2 6th Avenue SW, Ph# (205) 322-1140
DIY Grateful Rocks - Monday, July 22, 11:00 a,m. (adults), and 3:30 p.m. (youth)
Show gratitude at Titusville Branch. Paint rocks with your favorite colors and express what you are thankful for.
Paper Plate Mushrooms, 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23
During the Paper Plate Mushrooms activity, use paper plate and some construction paper to make a fun mushroom.
Library Safari - Tuesday, July 25, 3:30 p.m.
Come on an adventurous trip through the jungle with us, and let's see what animals we find in the library.
Magnetic Fishing - Tuesday, July 30, 3:30 p.m.
Enjoy fishing together with fellow patrons. You might just fish up a nice prize.
Lego Building Project – Began Tuesday, July 16 through Friday, July 19 (teen)
Build a Star Wars X-Wing Fighter from start to finish using a Lego kit. The finished project will be put on display in the library.
West End Crocheters (adults), 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 24 and Wednesday, July 31
Join us in the conference room to learn how to crochet, improve your skills, or just enjoy the good company of other crafters. Learn more about the West End Crocheters by reading this blog.
End of Summer Reading Party Thursday, July 25, 2:00 p.m. (children)
Enjoy food and fun as we celebrate our summer reading adventures. Essay contest winners will be announced, the “Adventure Begins at Your Library” mural will be on display, and the Lego models will be available for everyone to see.
Springville Road Regional Library, 1224 Old Springville Road, Birmingham, AL 35203
Ph (205) 226-4081
Youth Programs
Kids Movie Program, Thursday, July 18, 10:00 a.m.
Come take a break from the summer heat by joining Springville Library for movie fun! Different movies every week, pop inside and take a peek. Light refreshments provided. Groups and families are welcome.
PreSchool STEM, 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 23
Join us for a story time event that encourages children that encourages children to discover and explore concepts in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). The brief story time will introduce the topic of the week. Children and their caregivers may then rotate through a variety of hands-on learning activities based on that session's theme.
Tour De Route Race, Monday, July 22, 2:00 p.m.
Come to the Youth Department and enter the Tour de France! Instead of bicycles and a trip through France, we will use board game Flamme Rouge to re-create the actual tour course. Everyone who participates will receive a prize. The winner of the tour will get a Grand Prize! Players must be ages 8 plus to participate and must attend all 4 days (it started in June) Registration required.
Great Adventures in Science, Wednesday, July 24, 10:00 a.m.
Adventure begins as McWane Center invites readers of all ages to journey through the greatest stories of yesterday and today. During our journey we will face perils real and fantastical. We'll trek across hazardous terrain, learn how to take flight above earth with rockets and balloons, dive into an active volcano, and embark on further odysseys at the library! Families and groups are welcome.
Alabama 4-H Animals, Thursday, July 25, 10:00 a.m.
As our Summer Reading comes to and end, join Springville Road and see amphibians, birds, and snakes! Alabama 4-H is binging native Alabama animals to share with Springville Road patrons.
Bubbles, Sun & Fun: Springville Road Summer Reading Closeout -10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 30
Help us celebrate summer! We will have bubble stations with different types of bubble wands to try out, a bubble wand making station, sidewalk chalk, outdoor games, and snow cones! Join us for some outdoor fun (weather permitting ) -Be prepared to get wet.
Teen Programs
Adventure in Nature Scavenger Hunt, Daily Monday-Saturday during library hours 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. through July 31
This scavenger hunt game will sharpen your observation skills as you look for small details, large features, and hidden creatures throughout the library.
Guess the Book in the Jar, During Library Hours Through Monday, July 22. (open to both teens and adults)
Can you guess the book title shredded and stuffed in the jar? Put your reading skills to the challenge. Enter for a chance to win a prize! The winner will be announced on Monday, July 22.
It's a Finale, Wednesday, July 24, 10:00 a.m.
Join us for the Springville Road 2024 Summer Reading Finale Party. Celebrate your accomplishment by designing your own T-shirt. Open to all pre-teens and teens aged 11 to 18.
Springville Road Adult Programs
Sewing: Wearable Wardrobe, Friday, July 19, 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Participants will be making stunning summer garments. Open to all students, beginners, and those who have sewn for several years. We are aiming for a wearable summer wardrobe (dresses, skirts, shorts, pants, and blouses). All materials will be provided.
Bird Feeders, Monday, July 22, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Patrons will build and paint a bird feeder.
Follow the Birmingham Public Library on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more updates, check out our Calendar page to see what else we have going on, and stay tuned to our blog to see what the library is talking about!
You can find more Summer Reading 2024 programs and other events on the BPL website.
By Roy L. Williams|Public Relations Director, Birmingham Public Library
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