2026 Summer Reading Has Kicked Off at the Birmingham Public Library

Hundreds of Free Summer Reading Programs & Activities for Patrons of All Ages Underway at BPL

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Summer Reading 2026 is officially underway at the Birmingham Public Library (BPL), bringing hundreds of free programs, workshops, performances and activities to library locations across the city throughout June and July.

This year's theme, "Unearth a Story," invites participants of all ages to discover new ideas, learn new skills and explore the world around them. While reading remains at the heart of the program, Summer Reading also features live animals, science demonstrations, magic shows, theater workshops, fitness classes, arts and crafts, technology programs, author talks and cultural experiences.

Families can register for Summer Reading at any BPL location and enjoy a summer filled with creativity, learning and fun. All Summer Reading programs are free and open to the public.

Also on Monday, June 8, the Central Library kicked off a Summer Reading Drawing in which winners will be awarded a kid’s bicycle, mini- karaoke machine, and JBL Ear Buds. Entries will be collected at the Circulation Desk on the First Floor of Central Library.        

For a complete list of Summer Reading events and registration information, visit the Birmingham Public Library calendar at www.cobpl.org/calendar or stop by any BPL location.

Here are just a few of the exciting programs taking place  at many libraries across Birmingham throughout June.

Free Youth Summer Camp  

The Central Library, 2100 Park Place in downtown Birmingham, is hosting a free Youth Mini Summer Camp from Monday, June 22 to Friday, June 25 on a first-come, first-served basis in the Teen Lab on the Second Floor.

Animals, Nature and Outdoor Discovery

Grow with Inglenook

June and July all summer long, 3-4 p.m. | Inglenook Branch Library

This community-centered gardening program provides hands-on experiences while promoting food access, environmental awareness and neighborhood connections.

Zoo to You: Amazing Alabama Animals

Monday, June 15, 10 a.m.– 11 a.m. | Pratt City Branch Library

Alabama is often called America's Amazon because of its incredible biodiversity. Participants will meet live ambassador animals and learn how native wildlife uses special adaptations to survive in the wild.

Suni-Bear Farms

Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Springville Road Regional Library

Meet local farmers and their traveling goat, Jingles, while learning about agriculture, animal care and farm life. Registration is required.

Foxhound Bee Company

Wednesday, June 24, 10 a.m. -11 a.m.  | Springville Road Regional Library

See live bees safely housed in an observation hive and discover why pollinators play such an important role in Alabama's ecosystem.

African Fabric Home Decor Craft *Registration Required

Thursday, June 25, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.| North Birmingham Regional Library

Back by popular demand: Infuse your living space with the warmth and vibrancy of creating an extraordinary piece of wall art out of fabric. Please call to sign up at (205) 226-4025 or come in person and sign up at the North Birmingham Library.

Slide City Chair Aerobics

Every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in June and July, 9:30 a.m. – 10 a.m., North Birmingham Regional Library

Led by North Birmingham Library’s Samantha Gaston, this free class focuses on the importance of health & wellness, specifically geared towards adults and seniors. Participants exercise while listening to a variety of engaging music.

Science, STEAM and Discovery

Dinosaurs, Reactions & Explosions with The Science Lady

Multiple dates and library locations

Young scientists can explore fossils, chemistry, dinosaurs and exciting experiments through high-energy STEM programs held throughout the library system.

Unearth a Story With McWane Science Center

June 18, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Powderly Branch Library

Hands-on science demonstrations and activities bring learning to life through this partnership with McWane Science Center.

Lunch and Learn: Plan Your Own Life Celebration

Thursday, June 18, 11 a.m. -12 p.m.| West End Branch Library  

Your life. Your legacy. Join West End Branch for a free in-person informational seminar and find out how to protect your loved ones by planning your life celebration in advance.

Magic, Entertainment and Family Fun

Magic, Mayhem & Mind-Blowing Fun with Magician Brandon Herring

June 16 | Wylam Branch Library

Magician Brandon Herring combines humor, audience participation and astonishing illusions in a family-friendly performance filled with wonder and discovery.

Professor Whizzpop's Monster Magic Show

June 17 | Southside Branch Library

Expect magical surprises, comedy and audience participation in this entertaining show for all ages.

Family Night: Jurassic Bark!

June 16 | Avondale Regional Library

Michelle's Magical Poodles take center stage in an interactive family performance featuring amazing dog tricks, educational moments and plenty of dinosaur-themed fun.

Storytimes and Early Literacy

Once Upon a Thursday

June 11 | North Birmingham Regional Branch Library

Miss Pamela leads a storytelling adventure featuring stories, songs and themed crafts that bring books to life.

Time for Tales with Ms. Cas

June 11 | Avondale Regional Branch Library

Preschool and elementary-age children can enjoy an action-packed storytime filled with reading, movement and fun.

Storytime with Ms. Mollie

June 17 | Springville Road Regional Library

Children will DINO-rock and DINO-roll while exploring dinosaur-themed stories, music and activities.

Stories & Stretches: Yoga Storytime

June 22 | East Ensley Branch Library

Children will enjoy meaningful stories followed by a fun and interactive yoga session that encourages movement and participation.

Theater, Performance and Creative Expression

Red Mountain Theatre: Unearth a Story

June 17 and June 24 | Powderly Branch Library

Professional teaching artists guide participants through storytelling, creativity and theatrical performance.

Little Legends on Stage!

June 23 | Wylam Branch Library

Young performers will explore acting, movement and creative storytelling through this interactive theater workshop.

Birmingham Children's Theatre Presents "The Jungle Book"

June 20-July 25 | Multiple BPL Locations

Join Mowgli, Baloo, Bagheera and a host of unforgettable jungle characters in this free live adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's classic stories. Performances will be held at Central, Five Points West, Springville Road and Avondale libraries.

STEAM Club: LEGO Bird Builders

June 29 | Five Points West Regional Library

Participants combine creativity and engineering skills while designing and constructing LEGO bird projects.

Health, Fitness and Wellness

Mary's Chair Aerobics

West End Branch Library

This popular low-impact fitness class continues every Monday and Thursday throughout June and July.

Chair Yoga with Erin Williams

Five Points West Regional Library

Held twice monthly, these gentle yoga sessions promote flexibility, balance and wellness.

Teen Yoga: Summer Stretch

Smithfield Branch Library

Teens can explore mindfulness, movement and relaxation through beginner-friendly yoga exercises.

Beginner Tai Chi for Seniors

Pratt City Branch Library

Learn simple Tai Chi movements designed to improve balance, flexibility and overall wellness.

Slide City Chair Aerobics

North Birmingham Regional Branch Library

Adults and seniors can participate in chair-based fitness exercises offered Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays each week at 9:30 a.m..

The Morning Lineup

North Birmingham Regional Branch Library

This lively line-dancing program helps participants stay active while learning new dance routines.

Line Dancing with Tracy Williams

Woodlawn Branch Library

Kick up your heels and enjoy a fun-filled session of music, movement and fellowship.

Senior Exercise Classes

Memorial Park and City Gym

Instructor Tracy Williams leads easy-to-follow fitness and line-dancing sessions designed for older adults.

Hoops for Fitness

June 23 | West End Branch Library

The Hoop Lady, Robbie Lewis, presents a high-energy hula-hooping program inspired by her Guinness World Record achievements.

Candle Making Workshops

June 17 | Smithfield Branch Library and Springville Road Regional Library

Participants can learn the art of candle making through hands-on instruction and creative design.

The Fluttering Garden

June 18 | North Birmingham Regional Branch Library

Create a relaxing butterfly-themed canvas painting while exploring artistic expression.

Unearthing a Story: Textile Narratives

June 18 | East Ensley Branch Library

This hands-on workshop invites participants to tell stories through fabric, embroidery and symbolic design.

Strokes of Freedom

June 15 | East Ensley Branch Library

Celebrate Juneteenth through art while reflecting on themes of freedom, resilience and community.

Juneteenth Celebration

Thursday, June 18| Inglenook Branch Library

 

Paint Your Own "Dino-Mite" Bookends

June 18 | Avondale Regional Library

Teens can create prehistoric-inspired bookends through this hands-on painting workshop.

Tween Scene: Needle Felting

June 23 | Springville Road Regional Library

Tweens will learn the basics of needle felting and create unique wool sculptures.

Crochet, Sewing and Fiber Arts

Yarn & Learn

East Ensley Branch Library

Learn crochet and quilting techniques while connecting with fellow crafters.

Off the Hook Crochet

Smithfield Branch Library

Participants can learn crochet basics and complete projects in a welcoming environment.

Crochet and Knitting 101

June 22 | Inglenook Branch Library

Learn beginning crochet and knitting skills while meeting others who share an interest in fiber arts.

Tween Scene: Beginner Crochet Series

July 9-30 | Springville Road Regional Library

This four-week workshop teaches tweens crochet fundamentals and how to create granny squares.

Sew Right!

East Ensley Branch Library

Participants learn sewing basics and practical skills through hands-on instruction.

Coffee and Conversation: Getting the Most Out of Your Cell Phone

June 22 | Springville Road Regional Library

Seniors can learn smartphone basics, helpful apps and technology tips in a relaxed setting.

Small Business Basics: Profitable Pro Business Growth

Central Library

This free workshop series by instructor Gilberto Herrera helps entrepreneurs strengthen and grow their businesses through practical guidance and expert instruction.

Lunch and Learn: Plan Your Own Life Celebration

June 18 | West End Branch Library

Participants can explore important end-of-life planning topics in a welcoming environment.

Authors, Books and History

Virtual Author Talk Watch Party with Matt Dinniman

June 11 | Springville Road Regional Library

Fans of the bestselling Dungeon Crawler Carl series can gather to watch a virtual presentation by New York Times bestselling author Matt Dinniman.

Ruth Beaumont Cook: "Moretti and the Marble"

June 27 | Central Library

The Alabama author discusses her latest book exploring the life and legacy of sculptor Giuseppe Moretti, creator of Birmingham's iconic Vulcan statue.

From Tea to Treason

June 27 | Central Library

Historian Terri Hicks examines the events and ordinary people who helped spark the American Revolution.

Art and History Exhibitions

Visitors can also explore several exhibitions at Central Library throughout the summer:

• "Fragments" featuring paintings by artist Bethany Moody
• "A Photobook Gallery: The Ensley Childhood Project"
• "Among the Pines" featuring pine-needle basketry by Kathy Nelson

Make This Your Summer to Explore

Whether you're meeting live animals, learning a new craft, attending a magic show, exploring science, watching live theater, discovering local history or simply connecting with others in your community, Birmingham Public Library offers countless opportunities to learn, create and have fun this summer. Check out our calendar to learn more at www.cobpl.org/calendar.

BPL is spotlighting each of our locations holding Summer Reading programs. The list below will be updated as they are posted.

Wylam Branch Library Summer Reading Spotlight 

Written by Roy L. Williams, Public Relations Specialist - Birmingham Public Library