Birmingham Public Library Blog

  Birmingham, Ala. - The term mindfulness is rooted in the ancient Buddhist meditative practice of being fully attentive to the present moment without being preoccupied by consideration of past or future consequences. By the late 20th century, as interest in Buddhist teachings and practices grew in the United States, the therapeutic applications of mindfulness began to be explored by healthcare practitioners working at the intersection of physical, mental, and spiritual well being.  Eventually, the concept of mindful eating emerged from a desire to adapt mindfulness techniques specifically to the areas of nutrition and dietary habits.   If you are interested in learning more about mindful eating, then plan on attending the next Self-Care MasterMind session entitled, Mindful Eating: What’s Eating You on Tuesday evening March 4, 2025 at the Birmingham Public Library’s Central location .  What: Self-Care MasterMind Community Edition 2025 Topic:   Min...

   Over  70 Black History Month programs  being held at 15  Birmingham Public Library  locations across the city  are entering the last week.   Here is a listing of Black History Month Programs at BPL by location February 24-28 Avondale Regional Library, 509 40th Street South,  Ph (205) 226-4000 All ages Monday, February 24--Friday, February 28 (All day during library hours) Black History Month Drop-In/Take Home Magnet Craft Craft your own "Black History is World History" magnet This keepsake can be completed in the Avondale Library or picked up to take home. Available while supplies last. African paper beads. Adults Wednesday, February 26, 2:00 p.m. Club Create: Black History Month Paper Bead Workshop Paper bead making is considered one of the oldest crafts in Africa ( see article on African paper bead making craft from Michigan State University) .  It is still practiced today, providing a source of income for women, enabling them ...

  What : "Lunch and Learn with Chef Polly"  Date : Tuesday March 25, 2025  Time: 12:00 -1:00 p.m.  Location:   4th Floor Arrington Auditorium, BPL Research Library, 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203   Details: Please reserve a seat for lunch by contacting Central Library Adult Services Librarian Jim Murray at jim.murray@cobpl.org.  Are you looking for some guidance in fixing healthy meals that don’t sacrifice taste?  Then make plans to attend Lunch and Learn with Chef Polly at the  Central Library  downtown on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. The program will be inside the Arrington Auditorium, 4th floor of the BPL Research Building. Polly King, a Birmingham culinary expert and owner of Ms. Polly’s Full Plate LLC, will explain how you can choose more nutritious ingredients and use healthier cooking techniques to create meals that are both delicious and good for you.  Better yet, she will demonstrate how to prepare such a meal a...

The Birmingham Public Library  PR Department is spotlighting Black History Month programs happening at our libraries across the city during February.  Today's feature is on    Five Points West Regional Library,    4812 Avenue W . For more information on Five Points West Library's programs, call (205) 226-4013 or email Branch Manager Karen Jackson at Karen.Jackson@cobpl.org. Here is a listing of activities/programs happening throughout February at Five Points West Regional: Five Points West Regional Library, 4812 Avenue W , Ph (205) 226-4013 Youth Monday, February 17 - Friday, February 28 (all day during library hours)  Paper Quilt Art Create a paper square inspired by a quilt pattern. Add it to our community "quilt" or take your square home. Click here to read some books at BPL about some of the history and artists who worked with this fun paper quilt art form.   Monday, February 17 - Friday, February 28 (all day during library hours) Song Scaveng...

Paul Boncella, Map Conservator for BPL. What:  DNA Testing for African Ethnicities  When:   Wednesday, February 19 |11:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m.   Where:    Central Library,  BPL Research Building, 4th Floor Computer Center, 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35201. You can also attend virtually online via Zoom. Workshop Presenter:   Paul Boncella , map conservator of the Birmingham Public Library About the program:  DNA ethnicity testing may seem a simple and efficient way to identify your ancestral connection to the peoples and places of Sub-Saharan Africa, but what do you know about the types of tests that exist and the insights that they offer? Paul Boncella examines the current state of the science, lists the possibilities for African ethnicity testing, and explains what the various products actually deliver.  To register online  via Zoom, click here.  Birmingham, Ala. -  Two years ago, Paul Boncella shared tips on an African-A...

  Do you need a well-earned break from your job? Is there a bucket-list destination or place that you want to check out with friends, family, or even by yourself?   If you answered yes to these questions, that means it is time to start planning your next spring break trip! Before you start booking any flights or hotel reservations, make sure that you have your absolutely essential passport.   Apply for or renew your passport today at the Birmingham Public Library (BPL) to avoid packing any last-minute stress on your vacation. The BPL is a Passport Acceptance Facility and has many passport acceptance agents who can help you navigate the application process.   You can start your passport application process at the Central Library , the Avondale Regional Branch Library , or the Springville Road Regional Branch Library.    Central Library 's passport hours for walk-in services are Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Call 205-226...

  Woodlawn Branch Library’ s Black History Month programs and displays have been prompted by a strong desire to respond to community interest and needs. Annually, young patrons and their families visit our branch in high volumes seeking materials related to Black history: guidance searching the web for information about and images of historic figures, print biographies from the juvenile and adult collections, and even assistance brainstorming subjects for the topic of their project.  On Tuesday, February 18, the Woodlawn Branch is hosting a Black History Month Student Project Fair  from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Students needing help on Black History projects are invited to stop by Woodlawn Branch,  5709 First Ave. North. Woodlawn’s library staff looks forward to answering questions and providing research assistance for Black History Month projects at this event and throughout the month. One of our staff members has created a display featuring relevant titles. One of local ...

  Are you ready to explore life-changing opportunities in 2025? Join the  University of Alabama Educational Opportunity Center (EOC)  as it hosts the 2025 Spring Trade Expo on Wednesday, March 12, at the Central Library, 2100 Park Place in downtown Birmingham.  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 Educational Opportunity Center (EOC). Attendees will also have an opportunity to speak with employers regarding available career/job opportunities, he said.  "Obtaining a trade can create a path to entrepreneurship and much more," Drakes said. "And yes, earning these valuable skills can be life changing. The Trade Expo will provide a great opportunity for adults and young adults to explore amazing career options such as Apprenticeships, electrical, cosmetology, plumbing, GED and much more."...

Birmingham, Ala. - Brass fans in Birmingham have reason to rejoice to the sound of music at the Birmingham Public Library next week.  On Tuesday, February 18, trumpet legend Bo Berry will lead the Bo Berry Quartet in a free jazz concert at the Springville Road Regional Library from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. A former original member of the Commodores' backup band in the 1970s, Bo Berry is a member of the  Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. Later that evening, the Birmingham Art Music Alliance and Birmingham Public Library's Loud at the Library Series will present trombonist Jacob Elkin in a free concert at 6:00 p.m. at the Central Library .   Elkin is a renowned trombonist, composer and arranger based in Brooklyn New York.  The Bo Berry Quartet features  Bo Berry , Amber Frazier, Matthew Morton, and Cheryl Simonetti.  based in Brooklyn, New York.  Come hear the cool jazz sounds of the Bo Berry Quartet and learn about the contributions of...

  What: The City of Birmingham Division of Social Justice & Racial Equity's Celebration of Black History Month Presents Reading with Justice: "While the World Watched" by Dr. Carolyn McKinstry When: Thursday, February 20, 2025, 5:30 p.m. Where: The Central Library, 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203 Birmingham, Ala.- In celebration of Black History Month, The City  of Birmingham Division of Social Justice & Racial Equity invites the public to a powerful and inspiring conversation with author Dr. Carolyn Maull McKinstry at the Central Library in downtown Birmingham at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, February 20th. A survivor of the tragic September 1963 Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing, that killed four little black girls in Birmingham, Dr. McKinstry will share her personal story and offer insights into the lasting impact of this pivotal moment in history.  This thought-provoking discussion with Chad Freeman of the City's Division of Social Justice & Racial ...