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Showing posts from 2025

BPL and Birmingham Art Music Alliance Present Trombonist Jacob Elkin Concert February 18 at Central Library

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  What:   Birmingham Public Library's Loud at the Library Series  and Birmingham Art Music Alliance Present Trombonist Jacob Elkin in Concert  When: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. Where : Central Library, 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203  Details: Jacob Elkin is a New York-based virtuoso trombonist who specializes in electronics, spatialization, improvisation, and microtonality. In addition to music from his repertoire, he will present works by Alabama composers. The concert is supported by Alabama State Council on the Arts. The concert is free Birmingham, Ala. - The Birmingham Public Library and Birmingham Art Music Alliance are proud to present a free concert by trombonist Jacob Elkin . The concert is supported by the Alabana State Council of the Arts.  Elkin is a renowned trombonist, composer and arranger based in Brooklyn, New York . A virtuoso trombonist, Elkin specializes in electronics, spatialization, improvisation, and microto...

"Art on the Inside" Opens at the Birmingham Public Library

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The Birmingham Public Library is excited to partner with the Alabama Prison Arts +Education Project   to present Art on the Inside , a collection of new works by artists who participated in APAEP classes. The exhibition will be on view in the First Floor Gallery at the Central Library  through April 25. Art on the Inside features works in an array of media, including watercolor, pencil, pastel, mixed-media collage, and handmade paper. The largest work in the show is an eye-catching collaboration among APAEP artists, nationally renowned artist Tameca Cole , and New Orleans-based Brendon Palmer-Angell . The present exhibition marks the unveiling of the mural, which is titled Can You See You?. Based at Auburn University, the Alabama Prison Arts + Education Project works to create spaces where currently and formerly incarcerated individuals can practice meaningful engagement with the arts and develop their own artistic voices. Founded with the knowledge that creativity is an ...

Titusville Library Hosts 2nd Annual Titusville Connection on February 12

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  What: " 2nd Annual Titusville Community Connection Celebration: Salute to Arts and Artists"  When: Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.  Where: Titusville Branch Library , #2 6th Avenue SW, Birmingham, AL 35211  Birmingham, Alabama - Wow! Titusville’s Got Talent! Some of that incredible talent will be on display at the Titusville Branch Library on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, where we shine a spotlight on the artists and artistic connections from our three neighborhoods: North Titusville, South Titusville, and Woodland Park.  The event will feature performances by musicians, dancers, actors, and spoken-word artists, alongside exhibitors showcasing their artwork, crafts, and photography. A rich collection of books by authors with Titusville connections will also be on display. Autographed copies will be available for purchase from the authors themselves, who will be present at the event.  Titusville’s 125+ year history is woven with an incr...

Meet David Hobdy, Guest Artist at BPL's Bards & Brews Poetry Slam This Friday

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  Guitarist David Hobdy will provide musical entertainment at the Bards & Brews Poetry Slam at the Central Library in downtown Birmingham this Friday, February 7.    Birmingham, Ala. - Attendees of the Bards & Brews Poetry Slam happening at 6:30 p.m. this Friday night, February 7, at the Central Library downtown will get to enjoy the music of guitarist David Hobdy, a Birmingham native who has been playing the guitar for 14 years. Patrons of the Central Library who use computers may be familiar with Hobdy, who has worked as a Library Assistant II in the Computer Commons area since April 2023.  Hobdy got a chance to showcase his musical talent on the guitar while performing a few tunes last September with Earl "Guitar" Williams, headliner of BPL's Loud at the Library blues concert held at the Central Library. Hobdy has been a special guest at several blues awards shows, as well as playing guitar for locally and internationally acclaimed artists.   Le...

BPL 2025 Black History Month Spotlight: Avondale Regional Library

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  The Birmingham Public Library  PR Department is spotlighting Black History Month programs happening at our libraries across the city during February.  Our ninth feature is on    Avondale Regional Library, 509 40th Street South.   For more information on  Avondale's programs, call (205) 226-4000 or email Ellen Griffin about adult activities at Ellen.Griffin@cobpl.org or Carla Perkins about youth activities at Carla.perkins@cobpl.org. Here is a listing of activities and programs happening throughout February at Avondale Regional: Avondale Regional Library, 509 40th Street South,  Ph (205) 226-4000 All ages Saturday, February 1-Friday, February 14 Black History Month Bookmark Coloring Activity Color your own bookmarks featuring quotes by Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Rosa Parks.    Saturday, February 15-Friday, February 28 Black History Month Drop-In/Take Home Magnet Craft Craft your own "Black History i...

BPL 2025 Black History Month Spotlight: North Avondale Branch Library

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  The Birmingham Public Library  PR Department is spotlighting Black History Month programs happening at our libraries across the city during February.  Our eight feature is on    North Avondale Branch Library, 501 43rd Street North .  For more information on North Avondale's programs, call (205) 592-2082 or email Branch Manager Charlie Bodiford at Charlie.bodiford@cobpl.org. Here is a listing of activities and programs happening throughout February at North Avondale Branch: North Avondale Branch Library, 501 43rd Street North ,    Ph (205)  592-2082 Monday, February 3-Friday, February 7, 3:00 p.m. Black History Coloring Contest  Join North Avondale Branch as we color to celebrate Black History Month. Youth of all ages are welcome to enter the coloring contest for prizes. There will be first, second and third place winners. Contestants will be divided up into age groups: Kindergarten through second grade, 3rd through 8th grade,  9th...

BPL 2025 Black History Month Spotlight: Wylam Branch Library

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  The Birmingham Public Library  PR Department is spotlighting Black History Month programs happening at our libraries across the city during February.  Our sieventh feature is on  Wylam Branch Library, 4300 7th Avenue Wylam.   For more information on Wylam's programs, call (205) 785-0349 or email Branch Manager Selina Johnson at Selina.johnson@cobpl.org. Here is a listing of activities and programs happening throughout February at Wylam Branch: Wylam Branch Library, 4300 7th Avenue Wylam, Ph (205) 785-0349   Tuesday, February 11, 3:30 p.m. Black Inventors: The Potato Chip Did you know that  one of America's favorite snacks was invented in 1853 by an African-American, George Crum?  Come find out about the details and participate in a fun potato chip activity.    Children in Zimbabwe playing Kudoda. Thursday, February 27, 3:30 p.m. The Game of Kudoda Kudoda is a traditional African children's game that is popular in Zimbabwe.  S...

BPL 2025 Black History Month Spotlight: Springville Road Regional Library

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The Birmingham Public Library  PR Department is spotlighting Black History Month programs happening at our libraries across the city during February.  Our sixth feature is on  Springville Road Regional Library, 1224 Old Springville Road .   For more information on Springville Road's programs, call (205) 226-4081 or email Branch Manager  Vincent Solfronk at Vincent.solfronk@cobpl.org. Here is a listing of activities and programs happening throughout February at Springville Road Regional: Springville Road Regional Library, 1224 Old Springville Road,  Ph (205) 226-4081  All month long in February African American Heroes Mosaic  Add your piece to a community mosaic depicting African American Heroes.   Local Author Spotlight: Jay Owens Wednesday, February 5, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.  Local author Jay Owens will discuss his books,  Don't Forget Your Home Town  and  Living to Die or Dying to Live . Registration is required. Oak Stre...

BPL 2025 Black History Month Spotlight: Titusville Branch Library

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The Birmingham Public Library  PR Department is spotlighting Black History Month programs happening at our libraries across the city during February.  Our fifth feature is on    Titusville Branch Library, #2 6th Avenue SW .  For more information on Titusville's programs, call (205) 322-1140 or email Branch Manager  Reba Williams at Reba.williams@cobpl.org. Here is a listing of activities and programs happening throughout February at the Titusville Branch:   Titusville Branch Library, #2 6th Avenue SW,   Ph (205) 322-1140    Monday, February 3- Friday, February 28, during library hours, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.  Fine Art February Celebrate Black History Month at Titusville Library!  Stop by each week of February to learn about a Black artist and create a unique grab and go craft inspired by their artwork. This program provides an opportunity for convenient creative expression and artistic learning.  Friday, February 14, 1...

BPL 2025 Black History Month Spotlight: West End Branch Library

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  The Birmingham Public Library  PR Department is spotlighting Black History Month programs happening at our libraries across the city during February.  Our fourth feature is on  West End Branch Library | 1348 Tuscaloosa Avenue SW .  For more information on West End's programs, call (205) 226-4089 or email Branch Manager Lynn Hutchins at Lynn.hutchins@cobpl.org.  Here is a listing of activities and programs happening throughout February at the West End Branch: West End Branch Library | 1348 Tuscaloosa Avenue SW,    Ph (205)  226-4089  Make a Beaded Bracelet  All month long | During West End Branch hours of operation   Design a beaded bracelet to wear to celebrate Valentine’s Day or Black History Month.   Jigsaw Puzzle Club All month long | During West End Branch hours of operation  Help us put together a jigsaw puzzle. We'd love for you to stop by any time to put some pieces in place.   Wednesdays,...

2025 BPL Black History Month Spotlight: East Ensley Branch Library

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  The Birmingham Public Library  PR Department is spotlighting Black History Month programs happening at our libraries across the city during February.  Our third feature is on  East Ensley Branch Library, 900 14th Street Ensley .  For more information on East Ensley's programs, call (205) 787-1928 or email Branch Manager Kenyata Rodgers at Kenyata.rodgers@cobpl.org.  Here is a listing of activities and programs happening throughout February at the East Ensley Branch: East Ensley Branch Library, 900 14th Street Ensley , Ph. (205) 787-1928  Every day during library hours in February Do You Know Your Black History? Quiz  Do you know your Black History? Join East Ensley Branch throughout February for  quiz that will test your knowledge on extraordinary Black American figures and related events. Complete the quiz and, if you get a certain amount right, you will earn a goodie bag! Open to all ages. 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 5 and Wednesday...

Central Library Hosting Bards & Brews 1st Poetry Slam of 2025 on February 7

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  What:  Bards & Brews Poetry Slam When:  Friday, February 7, 2025, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Where:   Central Library , 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL, 35203 Details:  10 talented spoken word artists will compete for $350 in cash prizes ($200 1st place, $100 2nd, $50) in the Birmingham Public Library's first Bards & Brews poetry slam of 2025. Guitarist David Hobdy will provide entertainment. On-site registration begins at 6:00 p.m. and poetry begins to flow at 6:30 p.m. $5 registration fee required for participating poets. Free admission. Must be 18 to enter and 21 or older to drink alcoholic beverages. Bards & Brews is sponsored by the  Alabama State Council of the Arts , w hich provided a grant  to the  Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library .   Birmingham, Ala. -  Have you ever been to a spoken word poetry slam? Join us at the Central Library in downtown Birmingham at 6:30 p.m. this Friday, February...

Tickets to BPL's 4th Annual "A Novel Tasting" on Sale Tomorrow!

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The Birmingham Public Library and the Friends Foundation of BPL are excited to announce the fourth annual A Novel Tasting . This  fun event is set to take place on Thursday, April 17, from 6:00 until 8:30 p.m. at downtown’s Central Library . It will be preceded by a VIP reception from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Tickets to A Novel Tasting   go on sale tomorrow, Saturday, February 1. The first 50 people to purchase a ticket will receive an  early-bird discount. General admission and VIP tickets will be available for 20% off for a limited time only , so get yours today!  To purchase a ticket, v isit   Eventbrite  and e nter the promo code  ANT2025 . Guests at A Novel Tasting will enjoy live music, a silent auction, complimentary drinks, catered food, and BPL’s signature tasting of wine, beer, and spirits. VIP guests will be treated to Champagne, fancy hors-d’oeuvres, unlimited drinks, and VIP goodies. Participation in  A Novel Tasting  will help t...

2025 BPL Black History Month Spotlight: Southside Branch Library

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  The Birmingham Public Library PR Department is doing spotlights on Black History Month programs happening at our libraries across the city during February.  Our second spotlight is on  Southside Branch Library,  118 11th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205. Phone (205) 933-7776 Black History Month 2025 at  Southside Branch Library  will celebrate the impact of labor – free, unfree, skilled, unskilled - from African Americans. Here is a listing of activities and programs happening throughout February at the Southside Branch:  •  An interactive (QR Code) display that allows you to learn about African American artists whose works captured the story of Black life in America . (All month long)   *  Reel Deal: Black History at the Movies,  Wednesday, February 12, 1:00 p.m. Join the Southside Film Club and let's chat up popular movies highlighting Black culture. This is an opportunity to enlighten the rich African-American culture t...

BPL 2025 Black History Spotlight: The Central Library

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The Birmingham Public Library PR Department is doing branch spotlights on Black History Month programs happening at our libraries across the city during February.  Our first feature is on the Central Library in downtown Birmingham, which is kicking off nearly 70 Black History Month programs happening at BPL throughout February by holding the 2025 Black Heritage Fair from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. this Saturday, February 1. This annual event is sponsored by the Birmingham African American Genealogy Group, Inc. , which meets monthly at the Central Library and uses resources from BPL's Southern History Department to help members do genealogy research.  Learn more about Black History Month programs happening at the Central Library below. Central Library, 2100 Park Place,  Ph (205) 226-3600 Saturday, February 1, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 2025 Black Heritage Fair The Birmingham African American Genealogy Group,  which meets every third Saturday at the Central Library downtow...