Birmingham Public Library Blog

Bards & Brews Open Mic Poetry 📍 East Village Arts 7611 First Ave. North, Birmingham, AL 📅 Friday, February 6, 2026 🕡 6:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:00 p.m.) 🎟 Free admission | Ages 18+ (21+ to drink) 🎤 Live Music: G.I. Magus 🎙 Host: Emcee Thed Weller Have you ever wanted to perform original poetry before a live audience? Then make plans to join Birmingham Public Library for Bards & Brews Open Mic on Friday, February 6, at East Village Arts in East Lake. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the evening kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with live music from  G.I. Magus ,  whose soulful sound sets the tone for the night. After his performance,  open mic poetry begins to flow. In its 15th year and hosted by emcee Thed Weller, BPL’s popular monthly series provides spoken word poets to share original work in a relaxed, welcoming space. Attendees of the February 6 Bards & Brews Open Mic can enjoy free craft beer samples, provided by Birmingham District Brewing Co. ...

Monday, January 19, 2026, marks Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day , a federal holiday honoring the civil rights leader whose commitment to nonviolence and justice helped transform our nation. Join us at BPL as we honor Dr. King’s legacy through reflection and providing resources to educate our community.  On Saturday, January 17 at 11 AM, the BPL Department of Archives & Manuscripts will present its 23rd Annual “Begin the Day: The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Lecture” at Avondale Regional Library, 509 40 th  Street South. Author and racial justice educator Melanie S. Morrison will speak on the topic "Becoming Trustworthy White Allies." The lecture is free. In her talk, Morrison will examine the real work of allyship: moving through shame and guilt, beyond segregation to build accountable relationships with people of color.  For more information about the MLK lecture, contact C atherine Oseas of BPL's Department of Archives at (205) 226-3634 or via email at catherine.o...

  Consumer Reports is one of the world's most popular consumer magazines  The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) is proud to announce the addition of the Consumer Reports database, a highly requested resource now available free to BPL patrons. This powerful buying-advice tool helps consumers make informed decisions by offering trusted ratings, reviews, and comparisons for thousands of products. Whether you’re shopping for a major appliance, researching a new car, or comparing electronics, Consumer Reports helps you get the best value for your time and money. What You’ll Find in Consumer Reports Patrons can access: Independent product ratings and reviews Expert buying guides and videos Money-saving tips and financial advice Research-backed recommendations you can trust Subject Areas Include: Appliances Babies & Kids Cars Electronics Health, Fitness & Food Home & Garden Money A Trusted, Independe...