Beyond Books: From Quilting to Poetry Slam, Here's What's Happening at BPL September 2-6

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
Want to learn to crochet? Join this relaxed, beginner-friendly class. No experience needed; just bring curiosity and creativity.

Self-Care Mastermind: Community Edition
🕠 Tuesday, September 2 | 5:30–6:30 p.m. | Central Library, Arrington Auditorium
Join licensed massage therapist and certified health coach Christina (C.J.) Wade for this monthly wellness series. Each session explores topics such as diet, nutrition, exercise, meditation, journaling, and more, all designed to help you live a healthier, more balanced life.

Recipe Demo with Arlington Chef Murphree
👨‍🍳 Wednesday, September 3 | 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Five Points West Regional Library
Chef Murphree from Historic Arlington House demonstrates a seasonal recipe in this monthly cooking series. Learn new flavors, techniques, and tips to bring back to your own kitchen.

National Wildlife Day!
🌿 Thursday, September 4 | 1:30–3:30 p.m. | Titusville Branch Library
Celebrate National Wildlife Day with a special screening of educational documentaries highlighting nature and conservation.

Quilting
🧵 Friday, September 5 | 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Springville Road Regional Library
Join fellow quilters to build and sew blocks together into beautiful quilts. All materials are provided—beginners welcome!

Clothespin Butterfly: Bad Art Edition
🦋 Friday, September 5 | 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Titusville Branch Library
“Bad at art?” Perfect! Release stress, unleash your imagination, and have fun making a quirky clothespin butterfly. In this judgment-free zone, the worse your art, the better the fun!

Bards & Brews Poetry Slam (Final Slam of 2025)
🎤 Friday, September 5 | 6:30–8:30 p.m. | Central Library
Don’t miss the season finale of BPL’s popular spoken word poetry series. Some of the area’s top poets will compete for $350 in cash prizes: $200 for first place winner, $100 for 2nd place; $50 for third. Free craft beer samples for ages 21+. (Poet entry fee: $5. Limited to first 10 sign-ups.)
Bards & Brews is made possible by a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts to the Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library.

Designing and Managing a Native Plant Garden
🌱 Saturday, September 6 | 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Central Library, Create 205 Learning Lab, 2nd Floor
Learn how to design and care for your own native garden with Master Gardener Larry Stephens, who brings over a decade of experience from Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Red Mountain Park. Gain practical tips for building and maintaining a thriving natural landscape.

Written by Roy L. Williams, Public Relations Director – Birmingham Public Library