Birmingham Public Library Blog

  East Ensley Branch Library 60th Anniversary Ceremony 📅  When:  Friday, September 12, 2025 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 📍  Where:  900 14th St., Ensley, Birmingham, AL 35218-1206 📞  Phone:  (205) 787-1928 East Ensley Branch Library Celebrates 60 Years of Service The Birmingham Public Library is proud to celebrate a special milestone: the 60th anniversary of the East Ensley Branch Library. The community is invited to join us at East Ensley Branch on Friday, September 12, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for a birthday celebration honoring six decades of history, service, and community impact. A Legacy of Learning and Community When the East Ensley Branch Library opened its doors in  1965 , it was built to serve students at Moore Elementary School, Councill Elementary School, Western-Olin High School, and the surrounding neighborhood. Though   Councill and Moore Elementary have since closed, and Western-Olin High is now known as Ja...

"Fund My Business" is a Free Three-Session Online Course That Helps Small Business Owners  Explore Financing Options Whether you’re dreaming of starting a business or ready to take your current venture to the next level, access to funding is often the biggest hurdle. The good news: the Birmingham Public Library is here to help. Fund My Business , a free three-part virtual program presented by Centro Community Partners (Centro) , is designed to give entrepreneurs the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to secure financing. From microloans to crowdfunding, Centro’s experienced instructors will walk you through the different options available and help you decide what works best for your goals. 📅 When: Tuesdays, September 16, 23, and 30, 2025 🕕 Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Central 💻 Where: Virtual via Zoom (link provided upon registration) Registration is required. Complete the online registration form at this address: https://centrocommunity.tfaforms.net/218 Founde...

  As the nation prepares to mark the 24th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the Birmingham Public Library is joining communities across the country in honoring the memory of those lost and the heroes who responded. Two BPL branches, Titusville and East Lake, will host free, hands-on programs on Thursday, September 11, 2025, offering creative and meaningful ways for the public to reflect, remember, and pay tribute. Patriot Day Art Activity – Titusville Branch Library 📅 Thursday, September 11, 2025 | 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. 📍 2 6th Ave SW, Birmingham, AL 35211 Children and families are invited to take part in a simple art activity honoring Patriot Day. Participants will use cardstock and glue to create a 9/11 remembrance craft. 📞 More info: Contact Branch Manager Reba Williams-Patton at (205) 322-1140 or reba.williams@cobpl.org Memorial Altar Box Craft Workshop – East Lake Branch Library 📅 Thursday, September 11, 2025 | 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. 📍 5...

📅 Hog Heaven: A History of Alabama Barbecue What: A talk exploring the history of Alabama barbecue and its ties to politics, culture, and identity, led by Dr. Mark A. Johnson. When: Saturday, September 13, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Where: Create205 Lab, 2nd Floor, 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203 Contact: Catherine Oseas, Head of the BPL Department of Archives | 📧 catherine.oseas@cobpl.org | 📞 205-226-3630 Did you know there’s a powerful tie between Alabama’s legendary barbecue and the politics and cultural identity of the state? On Saturday, September 13 , the Birmingham Public Library Department of Archives & Manuscripts will explore that connection by hosting Hog Heaven: A Brief History of Alabama Barbecue. This engaging discussion, led by Dr. Mark A. Johnson , a history professor at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, will take place from 11:00 a.m. until noon in the Create205 Lab, 2nd floor at 2100 Park Place. When most people think of Alabam...

What’s Happening at BPL – September 8–13, 2025 The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) continues to prove that we’re more than just books. With 18 locations across the city, BPL offers programs that inspire creativity, encourage lifelong learning, and bring people together. Each week, patrons of all ages can find opportunities to learn, connect, and discover something new. From crafts and cultural experiences to wellness workshops and music, there’s something for everyone at your library. This week’s Beyond Books spotlight features pumpkin painting at East Ensley Branch; health and stress reduction programs at Smithfield Branch and North Birmingham Regional Library; a memorial altar craft workshop at East Lake Branch. Plus a special treat for barbecue lovers:  Central Library events for barbecue lovers: a Books, Blues & BBQ concert on Friday and a talk about the history of Alabama barbecue on Saturday. Here’s your guide to featured programs happening Mon...

Explore What’s Happening at BPL – September 2-6, 2025 The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) continues to offer exciting programs that go far   beyond books .  With 18 library locations across the city, patrons can always find opportunities to learn, create and connect. Each week, BPL hosts activities that support our mission of providing the highest quality experience for lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, and enjoyment. This week’s Beyond Books spotlight includes  our monthly Self-Care Mastermind series, a live cooking demo at Five Points West Regional Library, quilting at Springville Road Library , the season’s final Bards & Brews poetry slam at the Central Library, and a free workshop on designing and maintaining your own native garden. Here’s your guide to featured programs happening Tuesday through Saturday, September 2–6, 2025. 📅 Weekly Highlights Off the Hook Crochet 🧶 Tuesday, September 2 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Smithfield Branch Library Wan...