Birmingham Public Library Hosting 80 Free Holiday Programs in December
 |
| Loud at the Library's Parker High School Choir Concert December 11 at Central Library is among 80 free holiday events happening at Birmingham Public Library locations across the city in December. |
Birmingham, Ala. - Happy holidays from the Birmingham Public Library (BPL)!
If you’re looking for fun, free things to help you get in a festive, holiday mood, 14 of our libraries across the city are hosting 80 programs throughout December.
We have programs, events and crafts for patrons of all ages, from holiday concerts to story time for kids, line dance classes at North Birmingham Library and Titusville Library and crafting for adults.
* Caroling by the Trinity Singers of Trinity United Methodist Church, 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 10 at Avondale Regional Library
* West End Christmas Spectacular, 6:00-8:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 10, West End Branch Library
* Loud at the Library Presents A.H. Parker High School Concert Choir, 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, December 11, Central Library
* Five Points West Regional Library Holiday Open House featuring music from Halo Wheeler and David Talley IV, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Thursday, December 19.
The Holiday Happenings 2024 calendar is our BPL website.
Keep reading below to see what programs we're hosting!
Avondale Regional Branch Library | 509 40th Street S, Birmingham, AL 35222
Avondale All Ages
Tuesday, December 10, 2024 – 11:00 a.m.
A Caroling We Will Go with the Trinity Singers of the Trinity United Methodist Church
Join us at Avondale Regional Library for holiday singing with the Trinity Singers of the Trinity United Methodist Church.
Avondale Adult Programs
Monday, December 2
Grab & Go for Grown-Ups
Pick up a grab & go kit and craft your own snowflake embroidery bookmark. Kits available while supplies last.
Wednesday, December 4, 2 p.m.
Club Create
Join us Wednesdays at 2 p.m. for Club Create, our weekly arts and crafts workshop for adults. This week we’ll use diamond painting to craft “Ugly Sweater” Christmas tree ornaments.
Monday, December 9
Grab & Go for Grown-Ups
Pick up a grab & go kit and craft your own gingerbread house treat box. Kits available while supplies last.
Wednesday, December 11, 2 p.m.
Club Create
Join us Wednesdays at 2 p.m. for Club Create, our weekly arts and crafts workshop for adults. This week we’ll build and decorate mock gingerbread houses.
Monday, December 16
Grab & Go for Grown-Ups
Pick up a grab & go scratch art kit to craft your own Christmas, Hannukah or Kwanzaa ornament. Kits available while supplies last.
Wednesday, December 18, 2 p.m.
Club Create
Join us Wednesdays at 2 p.m. for Club Create, our weekly arts and crafts workshop for adults. We’ll create a holiday craft with our friends from Birmingham Museum of Arts.
Avondale Youth Programs
Tuesday, December 3 | 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Pop-in-Play (PIP)
Pop-in-Play (PiP) is an exciting interactive playtime for lap sitters and teetertotters with their caregivers. This fun-filled program includes cool activity centers, circle time, and a whole lot more! Registration appreciated.
Thursday, December 5 | 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Time for Tales with Ms. Cas
Join us for a morning of action-packed preschool and early elementary story time fun. Groups are welcome but registration is appreciated.
Saturday, December 7 | 10:30 – 11:30am
Yoga for Young'uns!
Join Ms. Claire for kids YOGA and mindfulness! We will kick off our time together by reading a story and then we will put meaning and movement together with a "read along" yoga practice. Please wear appropriate work-out clothes. Registration is appreciated but not required.
Monday, December 9 | 9am – 6pm
Make it Monday
Get crafty in the Avondale Youth Department with Make it Mondays. You may “take and make” or “stay and create.” What will this month’s craft be? Drop in and find out. Craft kits are available while supplies last.
December 10th, Tu, 6:30 p.m.
Gingerbread House Family Night
Sugar and spice make Christmas so nice. Join us for a night of gingerbread house building and family fun. Limited space: registration required.
December 13th – 20th.
Literary Elves on the Shelves
Oh no! Overnight some of our favorite book characters have leapt from their pages and are up to mischief inside the library. It’s your job to find and identify the literary elves and add them to Santa’s naughty list. Look high, look low, who knows where they might go!
Saturday December 14, 10:30 a.m.
Movie Matinee
Join us for a morning at the movies! All ages welcome. Registration Required.
Saturday, December 14 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Super Saturday Movie Matinee
The movie is cued, and the snack bar is open. It’s time for a family friendly movie matinee! All ages welcome. Registration appreciated.
BPL Southern History Department, Central Library, 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203
December 30, 2024, 11:00am
Getting the Most from Your DNA Ancestry Test
Central Library Computer Center and online via Zoom.
Many people will receive DNA test kits as holiday gifts, but most of them will never experience the full array of features and benefits that come with their test results. Paul Boncella provides an overview of DNA testing basics, a guide to setting up your account for full access, a preview of what you can expect to find in the results, and suggestions on how you can optimize your DNA ancestry experience.
Attend either in-person or online via Zoom. Registration is required for online attendance only.
Central Library, 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35201
Wednesday, December 11, 6:30 p.m.
Loud at the Library Presents the A.H. Parker High School Choir
Join us as BPL’s Loud at the Library Series presents a free concert of holiday songs by the A.H. Parker High School Choir.
East Ensley Public Library 900 14th Street Ensley, Birmingham, AL 35218
.jpg)
Friday, December 6, 2024 at 1:30 p.m.
Santa's Coming
Santa is coming to East Ensley Public Library!
Children will get a chance to meet Santa Claus and tell him what they want for Christmas. Parents and guardians bring your phones for photo opportunities. There will also be activities and light snacks.
%20(1).png)
Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 10 a.m.
Heritage Alive Storytime: Holiday Edition
Join us for a very special story time this December at East Ensley Public Library— Heritage Alive: Holiday Edition with the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute!
Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 3 p.m.
African Fashion Show
A Kwanzaa celebration to give honor to our elders and showcase beautiful fashions from Nigeria, West Africa. Guests are encouraged to wear African attire.
Five Points West Regional Branch Library 4812 Avenue W Birmingham, AL 35208
Thursday, December 19, 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Five Points West Holiday Open House
Five Points West Library presents a Holiday Open House featuring music, food, crafts, fun - and of course a visit by Santa Claus. Musical artists Halo Wheeler and David Talley IV will kick off the event singing holiday tunes from noon to 1:00 p.m.
Inglenook Branch Library, 4100 40th Terrace North, Birmingham, AL 35217
Thursday, December 5, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Ornament Crafting
Create and swap ornaments for your tree.
Tuesday, December 17, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Story Time: Holiday Edition
Stop by Inglenook Branch for holiday stories with crafts and snacks!
Thursday, December 19, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Holiday Movie Night
Join us for a festive, holiday movie.
North Avondale Branch Library, 501 43rd Street North, Birmingham, AL 35222
Tuesday, December 3, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Tech Time!
Is an electronic device on your holiday gift list? Bring your personal devices to North Avondale Branch to get help or receive assistance with our desktop computers.
Tuesdays, December 3, 10, 17, 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Beyblade Club
Do you play Beyblade games? Wanna learn what it is? Join us as we have fun in free play and tournament battles. In 3, 2, 1, Let it Rip!
Wednesdays, December 4, 11, 18 - 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Just Dance Club: Holiday Edition
Come join the fun as we dance our way into the holiday season.
Monday-Friday, December 9-13, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Holiday Coloring Contest
Join us as we color for the holidays. Youth of all ages are encouraged to enter. We will give first, second and third place winners according to grade levels.
Monday, December 9, 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Coding Club
Are coding or Scratch devices on your holiday gift list? Join us as we learn to code and build as part of an Artificial Intelligence project. We will also play fun games on Code.org and Scratch.com.
North Birmingham Regional Library, 2501 31st Ave. North, Birmingham, AL 35207
Youth
Monday, December 2, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Holidays Around the World Scavenger Hunt
Have fun learning about holidays around the world by searching throughout the North Birmingham.
Tuesday, December 3, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Christmas Tree Craft
Celebrate the joys of Christmas by trimming a little Christmas tree. Grab and go craft while supplies last.
Saturday, December 7, 10:00 a.m.
Christmas Adventures in Storyland with Miss Pamela
Join us for a very merry story time with Miss Pamela - we will have stories, songs and craft celebrating Christmas. Registration is required.
Tuesday, December 10, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (while supplies last)
Rudolph the Reindeer Craft
Join the reindeer games by making this adorable paper Rudolph. Grab and go craft kits available while supplies last.
Wednesday, December 11, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (while supplies last)
Art Attack: Paper Christmas Angel Ornament Craft
Teens and tweens will create paper angel ornaments. Grab and go craft kits available while supplies last.
Adults
Every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 9:30 a.m. (December 4-6, 11-13, 18)
Slide City: Chair Aerobics
Do you have a goal to get in shape in 2025? Come celebrate the holidays with us at North Birmingham Library and take advantage of our winter warmer workouts where we burn off those calories to Christmas-themed music.
Every Wednesday & Thursday at 10:00 a.m. (December 4-5, 11-12, 19)
The Morning Line Up
Making a New year's Resolution to learn the latest line dances in 2025? Let's get the wintery mornings started with a little line dancing this holiday! Join us and learn the latest line dances ... in the morning.
Friday, December 13, 10:00 a.m.
Craft Creations
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... especially with our fun holiday DIY wreath making program. Join us at North Birmingham Regional Branch Library or a program where patrons will be making their very own holiday wreaths!
Monday, December 16, 10:00 a.m.
Real Talk With Pastor Nick
Join Pastor Wendell Nichols as he discusses how to maintain healthy relationships during the stress of the holiday season.
Tuesday, December 17, 6:00 p.m.
Slide City Tuesdays
Join us at North Birmingham Library as we "slide" into the holidays with this fun-filled dance program! Learn how to do the "Work It" slide this Christmas.
Fridays, December 6, 13, 20, 27, 2:30 p.m.
Device Drop In
Jingle, Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle All the Way! Stop by North Birmingham Library every Friday to receive basic assistance for your electronic devices during the holiday season.
Pratt City Branch Library, 509 Dugan Ave., Birmingham, AL 35214
All Ages Programs
Friday, December 6, 11:00 a.m.
Christmas Movie and Hot Chocolate Bar
Get ready for Christmas by enjoying a fun holiday film and drinking from our hot chocolate bar.
Wednesday, December 11, 11:30 a.m.
A Merry Christmas Trail Mix Workshop
Enjoy a discussion on the history of trail mix, and watch a demonstration to learn how grains, fruits, nuts and candies are used to create this delicious treat.
Adult Programs
Wednesday, December 4, 11:30 a.m.
Christmas Crafting with Toilet Paper Rolls
Join us as we use toilet paper rolls to make creative holiday decorations such as bells, stars, and wreaths.
.png)
Wednesday, December 18, 11:30 a.m.
Christmas Painted Wood Slices
Learn to work with wood slices to create a holiday keepsake.
Chair Aerobics
Tuesdays, December 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Are you making a New Year's Resolution to get in shape in 2025? Join Smithfield Branch on December 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 for Chair Aerobics.
Mondays, December 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 a.m.
Between the Lines
Let your creativity flow as you color "Between the Lines" on an array of holiday coloring sheets! Come join us for coloring and artistic fun for all ages!
Tuesdays, December 3, 17, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Off the Hook Crochet
Join in the fun. Come learn how to crochet personalized holiday gifts with us.
Wednesdays, December 4, 11, 18, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Movie Mania Christmas Edition
Lights! Camera! Action @ Smithfield Branch! Feast your eyes on these holiday movie classics!
Thursdays, December 5, 19, 26, 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Anime-nia
It's time for anime-nia, where we watch anime old and new. Bring your tasty snacks and join us art Smithfield Library.
Fridays, December 6, 13, 20, 27, 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Chill Mode
You think you got what it takes to win? So you think you bad? Come join us for a variety of exciting games, guaranteed fun and laughs!
Tuesday, December 10, 2:30 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.
Smithfield Book Club
Monthly book club meeting. Come read with us during the holidays.
Tuesday, December 3, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Southside Spice Club
Do you love to cook? Want to try new flavors and recipes for the holidays? Or maybe you're in a cooking rut and don't know much cooking repertoire. Whether you're a foodie or just interested in trying something new, join the Southside Spice Club on the first Tuesday every month. The kit is free (while supplies last). One kit per family please.
Disclaimer(s): Attention patrons with food allergies. Please be aware that food present in this program may contain common allergens, such as dairy, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, shellfish or wheat.
Tuesday, December 10, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
All Ages
Holiday Open House and Photos with Santa
Bring the entire family for Holiday Open House and Photos with Santa, hosted by Birmingham City Council District 1 Clinton Woods and Springville Road Library. Event features treats, activities and free photos with "The Jolly Man" himself. Book your Santa photo time slot in advance by clicking here
Youth
Monday, December 2 through Friday, December 6, 2024
Disguise a Gingerbread Man Contest
Come decorate a gingerbread man as your favorite book character. Contest ends on Friday, December 6. The top three winners will receive a real gingerbread house.
 |
| Author Irealle Sylvas |
Wednesday, December 4, 10:00 a.m.
Story Time with Children's Author Irealle Sylvas, author of Eliza Grace Saves Christmas.
Author Irealle Sylvas will read her book, Eliza Grace Saves Christmas. Join us at Springville Road Library for a Q and A with the author, stories, songs, coloring and more.
Saturday, December 14, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Shopping with Fairy Headquarters
Come and enjoy story time with the Fairy God Mother and take photos with other legendary figures! You might even catch a glimpse of Cool Santa! There will be free photo opportunities, story time, and crafts from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Be Kind Birmingham's free-to-shop boutique will be here to offer FREE SHOPPING for winter clothes and necessities between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
The Fairy Headquarters Foundation of Birmingham is sponsoring this event.
Adults
Monday, December 2, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Crafts, Conversation, and Community: Poinsettia Ornaments
Make poinsettia ornaments out of pumpkin seeds and navy beans.
Monday, December 9, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Crafts, Conversation, and Community: Cupcake Christmas Trees
Decorate a tree using cupcake liners.
Monday, December 23, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Crafts, Conversation, and Community: Seasonal Surprises
Create seasonal festive crafts.
Titusville Branch Library, 2 6th Ave. SW, Birmingham, AL 35211
.png)
Wednesday, December 4, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Titusville Senior Community Resource Day
Senior participants will enjoy interacting with vendors who will provide information and resources available to help them during the holidays such as medical consultations, food distribution, utilities assistance, and other essential services.
Wednesday, December 4, 10:00 a.m.
Titusville Diaper Resource Day
The Titusville Branch hosts a Diaper Resource Day, providing families in need during the holidays with free diapers and essential baby supplies. This community event aims to support parents and caregivers while fostering connections with local resources.
Thursday, December 5, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Titusville Community Resource Day
Patrons who register may receive boxes and non-perishable food items, bringing support and relief to members of the community in need during the holidays.
Fridays, December 6, 13, 20, 27, 10:45 a.m.
Senior Exercise Class
Is your upcoming 2025 New Year's Resolution to get in shape, learn the latest line dances or improve your skills on the dance floor? Then Titusville Branch's popular Friday line dance classes led by Ms. Mary Williams are for you. Participants will enjoy a new experience at the library through exercise - and make new friends on the dance floor every week.
Monday, December 9, 3:30 p.m.
Gift Box Origami
The Gift Box Origami program introduces patrons to the art of origami and allows them to create and decorate an origami gift box for the upcoming gift-giving season. Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding. Participants will get to socialize and learn a useful holiday craft.
Tuesday, December 10, 10:30 a.m.
Lima Bean Mosaic
The Lima Bean Mosaic program at Titusville Branch teaches patrons how to create intricate mosaics
A mosaic is an artwork design made up of small pieces of materials such as stone, glass, tiles, shells or in this activity lima beans. Participants will learn hands-on artistic activities while bonding with others and using cultural expression.
Wednesday, December 11, 3:30 p.m.
Snowflake Suncatcher Craft
The Snowflake Suncatcher Craft Program will allow Titusville participants to create a winter-themed decoration out of paper and tissue paper. Patrons will celebrate the holiday season and socialize while doing a fun artistic project.
Wednesday, December 11, 11:00 a.m.
Titusville Branch Adult Book Club
Desire to join a book club during the holidays? Come interact with fellow Titusville Branch patrons who share a love of literature.
Friday, December 13, 9:30 a.m.
Index Club Challenge
The Index Club Challenge Doodle program engages Titusville patrons in creative, spontaneous drawing activities using index cards. This low-cost art activity promotes cognitive flexibility and stress relief through artistic expression. It is easy to do. Take simple index cards, ruled or unruled. Doodle with magic markers. Use alphabets/lettering or make collages from magazines.
Tuesday, December 16, 11:00 a.m.
Ribbon Wrapping
Join us at Titusville Branch as patrons create their own holiday gift ribbons and bows for the upcoming holiday season.
Wednesday, December 17, 10:30 a.m.
Christmas Cookie Decorating Fun
Join Titusville Branch for guided cookie decorating sessions, holiday-themed storytelling and a cookie exchange. Patrons of all ages will gather for community engagement, creativity, and a festive joyful celebration of the holidays.
Wednesday, December 17, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Story Time: Holiday Edition
Join Titusville Branch for Holiday stories with crafts and snacks.
.png)
Thursday, December 18, 3:30 p.m.
Cotton-ball Penguin Craft!
During this Cotton-ball Penguin Craft session, patrons will celebrate the holiday season by creating an artistic penguin out of cotton balls and construction paper. Join this program as we socialize, create a craft and learn about the life of a penguin.
Friday, December 19, 10:30 a.m.
Q-Tip Painted Christmas Theme Craft
During this Q-Tip Painted Christmas theme craft, patrons will use cotton swabs and paint to create festive holiday decorations and artwork.
Friday, December 19, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Holiday Movie Night
Join us at Titusville Branch for a seasonal movie night at the library.
Senior Claws
Join us on December 3 as we play Medicare Bingo. On December 10, join West End Branch as we watch a holiday movie. On December 17, we will sing our favorite songs while playing Motown Karaoke.
Thursday, December 5, Wednesday, December 11, Thursday, December 19, all at 11:00 a.m.
Mary's Chair Aerobics
Improve your fitness level during the holidays through these fun, free weekly workouts.
.jpg) |
Tuesday, December 10, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
West End Christmas Spectacular
Join us for an evening of food and fun at the annual West End Community Christmas Program. Spoken word artist Angelita Allen and the Hygh Energi Band will perform.
Thursday, December 19, 11:00 a.m.
Holiday Bingo
Play Holiday Bingo with friends from the West End community.
Friday, December 20, 3:30 p.m.
Holiday Movie Night
Enjoy a holiday movie and a snack.
Tuesday, December 10, 3:15 p.m.
Painting Snowflake Suncatchers
Patrons will pain snowflakes with special markers and use them to create a suncatcher. Participants can also color a paper Santa Claus.
Wylam Branch Library, 4300 7th Avenue Wylam, Birmingham, AL 35224
Friday, December 6, 10:00 a.m.
TGIF Crafts
Join us at Wylam Branch and create your every own festive "Diva Wreath" just in time for holiday decorating. Call the library at (205) 785-0349 in advance to register.
Tuesday, December 10, 3:30 p.m.
After School Crafts
Join us as we make a paper ball reindeer craft! What's wonderful about these lovely paper balls is that you can turn them into the most adorable Christmas garland ever!
By Roy L. Williams, PR Director|Birmingham Public Library
Comments