Birmingham Public Library Blog

  🥂   🎉 Magic City Classic Countdown! 🎉 🥂   We’re getting ready for the biggest week in Birmingham, and we want to know where YOU stand! How early do you start prepping for Magic City Classic Week? Are you the one who’s had your tickets and outfits ready for weeks? Or are you a person who thrives on last-minute energy? 👇 Vote in our Classic Cocktails Prep Poll below and let us know!   👇 1️⃣ When do you buy your game tickets? Already got mine! A month or two out Last minute (no judgment) 2️⃣ When do you shop for your Classic gear? Months in advance! Gotta stay fresh! A few weeks before Week of the game! 3️⃣ Do you have a family reunion planned that weekend? Yes! It's a tradition Not this year, but maybe next No reunion, just vibes 4️⃣ When do you book your hotel? As soon as dates drop A few weeks out I’m staying with family/friends 5️⃣ What are you most excited about? The game Classic Cocktails (only...

  Shaheed & DJ Supreme with NBC 13 Anchor Brittany Decker after recording a video at BPL downtown.   BPL Executive Director Janine Langston with Shaheed at the Central Library.  Birmingham, AL – Birmingham hip-hop duo Shaheed & DJ Supreme have once again put their passion for literacy into a beat with the release of their latest single and music video, “Knowledge of Shelf,” a powerful, upbeat anthem celebrating the magic of libraries and the joy of reading. Released August 4 on K.R.U. Recordings/Who?Mag Distribution, the track blends smooth, classic hip-hop grooves with a timely message: let’s make going to the library great again. The single was mixed and mastered by Grammy Award-winning engineer Darrell Thorp, with cover art by Erick Hernandez and March the 5ifth. 🎥 Video Filmed at Birmingham Public Library On August 12, the duo recorded a video for “Knowledge of Shelf” inside the Central Library, spotlighting the role libraries play in building community. ...

  🔬 What:   2025  Genetic Genealogy News,  Part 2 – Free Workshop 📅 Date: Wednesday, August 27, 2025 ⏰ Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. 📍 Location:  Create 205 Lab, 2nd Floor, Central Library, 2100 Park Place or Online via Zoom 🔗 Zoom Link: Join Here 🧬  Explore the Newest Developments in DNA Testing If you’ve been following the latest in genealogy, you know the field is changing fast. In this follow-up to our August 13 workshop, “2025 Genetic Genealogy News, Part 2,” we’ll cover updates we couldn’t get to the first time, including newly released products, major service upgrades, and even a recent change in company ownership within the last six months. Learn how these developments impact consumers and get your questions answered during an interactive Q&A session. 👨‍🏫  Presented by Paul Boncella Led by Paul Boncella, BPL’s map conservator and genetic genealogy specialist, this workshop will explain evolving tools, subscription ...

  Meet the Tiny Lady With the Big Voice at Books, Blues & BBQ September 12 at the Central Library BPL's Loud at the Library Presents “Books, Blues & BBQ” 📅  When:  Friday, September 12, 2025 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. 📍  Where: C entral Library, 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203 🎶  Who:   “Hurricane”  Elaine Hudson  💵  Admission:  Free & Open to the public For more information, visit our website  www.cobpl.org  or follow BPL on social media.  Birmingham, AL –  Blues and barbecue are a perfect pairing. When you add books to the mix, it’s a recipe for an unforgettable evening. The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) is bringing back its popular Books, Blues & BBQ event on Friday, September 12, at the Central Library downtown. Headlining this year’s free, public concert is “Hurricane”  Elaine  Hudson, a Birmingham blues legend inducted into the Alabama Blues Hall of Fame as a Master Blues Artis...

  BIRMINGHAM, Ala. –  Looking for the perfect way to kick off Magic City Classic Week? We’ve got you. Classic Cocktails , Birmingham Public Library’s signature celebration, returns Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the  Central Library  (2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203).  BPL's kickoff party to the Magic City Classic is sponsored by the   Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library .   More than just a party,  Classic Cocktails  sets the tone for an unforgettable week of tradition, rivalry, and Black excellence, bringing together fans of  Alabama State and  Alabama A&M  to reminisce, reconnect, and raise a glass to 82 years of Classic memories. Magic City Classic Week is a cultural celebration that draws more than 100,000 people (including nearly 70,0000 packed inside Legion Field and tens of thousands of tailgaters outside the stadium) for a week full of reunions, events, parties, HBCU...

  Explore What’s Happening at BPL – August 18–22, 2025 The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) continues to offer exciting programs that go way beyond books  including hands-on crafts, STEM fun, gaming, job resources, and art exhibits. With 18 library locations across the city, there's always something to learn, discover, or enjoy for patrons of all ages.  BPL has programs and activities far beyond books as part of our mission to provide the highest quality experience to our community for lifelong learning, cultural enrichment and enjoyment.  Here’s your guide to this week’s featured programs happening Monday through Friday, August 18–22, plus a bonus event on Saturday! 📅 Weekly Highlights August 18–21 Frame Tha Day 🕘 Ongoing | Southside Branch Library Kick off the school year by creating a school bus picture frame and a notebook-themed frame using popsicle sticks. A great way for families to make and capture first-day memories together! August 18–22 Dog...

BPL's 2025 Classic Cocktails is coming - and so is your chance to save $5 per ticket when you purchase early! But hurry, this deal only lasts through Sunday, August 31. Guests will enjoy: 🎶  High-energy music by DJ French Kiss 🍗  Tailgate-style food  🍹  Two signature cocktails included 🥃  A premium cigar + access to the Lion’s Den Cigar Bus More than just a party, Classic Cocktails supports the Birmingham Public Library’s mission to  provide the highest quality experience to our community for lifelong learning, cultural enrichment and enjoyment.  Classic Cocktails is the perfect way to jumpstart your Magic City Classic Week. BPL's kickoff party to the Magic City Classic is sponsored by the  Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library .   📅  Save the date:  Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. 🎟️ Ticket Info and Event Details:  https://www.cobpl.org/programs/ClassicCocktails/ 🎟️ Buy Tickets Now:  ...

 L-R: Caleb West, head of BPL Collection Management Department; Kelly Marshall, deputy director of  the Alabama Rivers Alliance, Charles Scribner, executive director of the Black Warrior Riverkeeper.   2024 cover of Southern Exposure DVD “Bringing Alabama’s Natural Beauty to Libraries Across Birmingham"  17 Copies of Southern Exposure  Donated to BPL by Alabama Rivers Alliance, Black Warrior Riverkeeper  BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Alabama Rivers Alliance and Black Warrior Riverkeeper have generously donated 17 copies of the latest edition of Southern Exposure , an award-winning documentary series educating the public about Alabama’s natural resources, to the Birmingham Public Library (BPL). “The 2024 edition of Southern Exposure features beautifully captured short films that will further enrich our collection and be available for borrowing at all BPL locations,” said Janine Langston, BPL’s executive director. “We are grateful for this generous donation and proud ...

🔬  What:  Genetic Genealogy News 2025, Part 1 – Free Workshop 📅  Date:  Wednesday, August 13, 2025 ⏰  Time:  12:00 – 1:00 p.m. 📍  Location:  BPL Computer Center, 4th Floor, Research Library, 2100 Park Place, and Online via Zoom 🔗  Zoom Link:  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88353225775?pwd=pJXXn5kQU 4K4aaVC9RtdgKyf3Kt8MG.1#success 🧬  Explore the Newest Developments in DNA Testing Have you taken a DNA ancestry test but aren’t sure what’s changed since? Curious about the latest upgrades and trends in genetic genealogy? Join us at the Birmingham Public Library for  “Genetic Genealogy News 2025,”  a free workshop that unpacks the latest updates from major DNA testing companies and what they mean for your family research. 👨‍🏫  Presented by Paul Boncella Led by Paul Boncella, BPL’s map conservator and genetic genealogy specialist, this workshop will explore evolving tools, subscription costs, and new fe...

  🎬     Before School Starts: Binge-Watch for Free Using Kanopy at Birmingham Public Library Catch Your Favorite Movies, Shows & Documentaries for Free This Summer with Kanopy. Did you know your Birmingham Public Library card opens the door to thousands of free streaming movies, documentaries, and TV series? Whether you’re catching up on films before school starts back this summer, planning a family movie night, or diving into a new documentary, Kanopy is your ticket to thoughtful, ad-free entertainment, all at no cost. What is Kanopy? Kanopy is an award-winning streaming platform that partners with public libraries to bring patrons free access to a rich library of movies, classic cinema, independent films, foreign films, and educational content. Plus, Kanopy features TV series like the fan-favorite The Librarians , so you can enjoy binge-worthy shows alongside thousands of inspiring documentaries. All you need is your Birmingham Public Library card and PIN/...

    🎲  Game On: Discover, Play & Borrow with BPL’s Library of Things Looking for game night ideas, board games or your next video game fix? Find board games, card games & video games available to check out via the Library of Things! And they are all free from any Birmingham Public Library or Jefferson County Library! Your library card unlocks so much more than books.  Among our fun gaming options: ✅  Classic board games & card games – Monopoly, Uno, Scrabble & more 🎮  Video games & consoles – Nintendo Mini, PlayStation 5, Mario Kart, Wii Sports 🌳  Outdoor & lawn games – Cornhole, croquet, bocce, Spikeball, giant 4‑in‑a‑row 🧙  Special sets – Poker chips, magnetic chess, Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set 🧩  Want to play games before you check them out? Try it out at the library! If you missed our first Try It Out Game Night at Central on July 22, come...

  Birmingham, Ala.  - Three of Jefferson County’s beloved greenspaces - Red Mountain Park, Ruffner Mountain, and Turkey Creek Nature Preserve  - didn’t appear overnight. They exist thanks to decades of community action, vision, and now, dedicated county support. On Saturday, August 16, from 11 a.m. to noon, join the Birmingham Public Library’s Department of Archives and Manuscripts and the Jefferson County Greenways Commission for  “A History of Our Greenspaces in Jefferson County.”   The free program will be held in the Arrington Auditorium at the downtown Birmingham Public Library, 2100 Park Place. Hear from a dynamic panel of local experts and greenspaces leaders, including: 🌿 Mark Kelly, author chronicling Ruffner Mountain’s journey from quarry to sanctuary 🌱 Thomas Spencer, historian and Greenways Commission member 🌳 Janet Simpson, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Director of Jefferson County Greenways 💧 Leah Davis, External Affairs Director, Jef...