Birmingham Public Library Blog

  College Financial Aid Questions? Southside Branch Library is hosting a free FAFSA session next week. Drop by Southside Branch, 1814 11th Avenue South , for "FAFSA: What to Do? When to Do It?" from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 26.   Representatives from the UAB Trio Educational Opportunity Center will be at Southside branch providing information about how to apply for financial aid and scholarships. Services are free to eligible participants! Stop by and have your questions about continuing your education answered.  The UAB Trio EOC team is also at Southside every Thursday from 9:00-a.m. until 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. to answer any questions about adult continuing education.   For more information, call Southside Branch at (205) 933-7776 or drop by our library. For information on UAB's Trio EOC program, click here.     If questions, you can reach out to UAB Trio EOC Executive Director Rico Drakes at the office at (205) 975-3793 or via

  Birmingham, Ala. - Hey, high school juniors and seniors, have you started making your college visits yet? If not, make plans now to come to the Birmingham Public Library's Central Library downtown on Thursday, September 19 for the 2024 Fall College Fair hosted by the University of Alabama-Birmingham's Trio Educational Opportunity Center. Attendees will get a chance to interact with top college recruiters from over 60 colleges during the fair, happening between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at the Central Library, 2100 Park Place in downtown Birmingham. "This event will give high school students, transfer students and individuals from the community a chance to explore college/educational opportunities, said Rico Drakes, executive director of UAB s Trio Economic Opportunity Center. "Colleges such as Jackson State University, Alabama School of Law, Mississippi State University, Miles College, Birmingham Promise, UAB and many more will be in attendance." For more info

We have had some really fun programs planned at the North Birmingham Regional Branch Library this month—so I thought I would share a little bit about them and how they went! If you think these programs sound fun, keep reading to see what we have coming next.

September has arrived, and with it comes a fantastic lineup of events at the amazing Inglenook Branch Library that you do not want to miss! Whether you're a book lover, a budding artist, a puzzle enthusiast, or just in need of some relaxation, we’ve got something for everyone this month. Here’s a sample:

Birmingham, Ala.— The Birmingham Public Library Archives Department invites you to join Dr. Jim Day as he discusses his book Diamonds in the Rough: A History of Alabama’s Cahaba Coal Fields . Dr. Day is a professor of History and Chair of the Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences at the  University of Montevallo .

It's a blues and BBQ birthday bash! Loud at the Library (L@L) and the Birmingham Public Library (BPL) host Earl "Guitar" Williams and The Juke Band as a part of the Central Library's 40th anniversary. Adding to the celebration, two  Art for Everyone exhibitions also feature the show's legendary local performers and more.  Bring out your family for a free concert and  free birthday cake and BBQ while supplies last!

Springville Road Regional Branch Library is taking today's fall programming spotlight to share the fun and free programs we have planned this month for adults, like our monthly sewing class and a writing workshop. Check your library card status at Circulation for National Library Card Sign-up Month  while visiting for a program! It's the perfect time to get or renew your Birmingham Public Library (BPL) library card.

  The University of Alabama at Birmingham Economic Opportunity Center (EOC) is hosting its fall 2024 Trade Expo/Job Fair at the Central Library, 2100 Park Place in downtown Birmingham, on Thursday, September 5.  The free expo will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This event will give individuals an opportunity to explore life-changing trades, career and educational opportunities, said Rico Drakes, director of the UAB Economic Opportunity Center (EOC). Attendees will have the opportunity to sign for a trade or apply for jobs from various vendors on site.   Drakes said a trade or certification can significantly improve one's earning potential. Successfully obtaining these credentials can be a direct path to career opportunities, entrepreneurship and yes, owning your own business.  "Countless professionals have built careers, companies and businesses from trades," Drakes said. "The Trade Expo is a great opportunity for Adults and young adults to explore and s