Few of My Favorite Things: A North Birmingham Regional Branch Library September Program Retrospective

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.

On Monday, September 9, we hosted a Paint Along program. Patrons were invited to paint their very own acrylic landscape using the recorded guidance of a very famous and well loved painter. In the past, they mentioned enjoying the artistic process and expressed interest in having a program like this. 

We created this event so our patrons could exercise their creativity and socialize with others! My favorite part of hosting this program is getting to watch the videos with everyone else and getting to see how everyone creates their own landscapes. 

Another favorite program of mine from this month was the Bad Art Competition! We hosted an art competition last Friday, September 13, to see which of our patrons could make the worst art piece possible and be crowned the winner, receiving a free book and a yellow crown. 

Since some patrons might not feel like they are "good" at art, we created this program so everyone can feel comfortable enough to participate in one of our crafting programs. My absolute favorite part of hosting this program is seeing the winner light up when they get to select a free book.

Check out the bad art from our program!

While these programs were some of my favorites from this month, North Birmingham Library still has plenty going on! We have our reoccurring dance aerobics program (a chair modified version too), and patrons also have the opportunity this month to have up to $10.00 in late fines forgiven from their account by donating shelf-stable foods.

Each year in September for National Library Card Sign-Up Month, the Jefferson County Library Cooperative (JCLC) hosts the Food for Fines campaign at all JCLC members, including all BPL locations. Food donations are accepted at the Circulation Desk, and each library chooses who they give their donations to.

Check out the local food banks in your area to see what items your community needs the most.

One donated food item equals $1.00 in late fines removed from the card holder's account, maxing out at $10.00. Fine forgiveness only applies to fines accrued on a card holder's account for returning an item past its due date. Charges for lost or damaged items are not eligible for Food for Fines.

All types of shelf-stable foods—baby food, snack foods, side dishes—are accepted except for:

• Expired food
• Donations must have visible and legible expiration dates
• Open food packages 
• Damaged items, including rusted and dented cans

Visit the BPL's online Calendar to see what other programs we have going on, and follow the North Birmingham Regional Library on Facebook for more updates from your local library!

By Jana Brown | Library Assistant Ⅲ, North Birmingham Regional Branch Library, Adult Department