Birmingham Public Library Blog

The Birmingham Public Library is pleased to host the "Vulcan Performers Go Hollywood" charity event benefiting Magic Moments . The red carpet rolls out at 6:45 p.m. for the arrival of the local celebrities and dancing professionals that will take to the stage for the benefit performance. Cheer on your favorite celebrities such as Tony Kurre from Rock 99/Sports Jox; Charles Daniel from CBS 42; Jay Schotts—Mrs. Alabama Dream; Jesse Palmer—FTW Pro Wrestling Champ; and Envy—local female wrestling champion. Also present will be Chris Sarris—Club 1120 DJ; Rick and Bubba interns Katy Shack, Bama Montana, and Barnes and Stumble. "Vulcan Performers Go Hollywood" is the group's fifth professional show and will feature acts in ballroom, ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, breakdancing, swing, and more. All acts will feature music from Hollywood movies—classic and contemporary. This is a free event benefiting Magic Moments. Donations will be accepted at the door to support the ongo...

Instant messaging or IM lets you communicate in real time with another person over the Internet. Come learn about this fast, fun way of talking and how easy it is. Program Details Where: Live in the Arrington Auditorium at the Central Library , via simulcast at the Springville Road and Five Points West Libraries When: Tuesday, May 6 Time: noon IM, del.icio.us, MySpace, Facebook, RSS, Mashups, Photobucket, Pixer, Second Life, Wiki, blogging. What are these things and will they hurt me? Join us at Tech Tuesdays for a look at the technologies sweeping the Internet and see if you need to join the crowd!

An extraordinary portrayal of redemptive love, Godspell is a fun, modern-day version of the New Testament parables straight from the Gospel According to Matthew. This Broadway smash hit features impressive music by Stephen Schwartz, including the international hit, “Day By Day,” along with “Prepare Ye The Way Of The Lord,” “All Good Gifts,” and “By My Side.” Using a variety of theatrical storytelling traditions, Godspell is a groundbreaking and unique reflection on the life of Jesus, complete with a message of kindness, tolerance and hope. Program Details: Who: Red Mountain Theatre Where: Five Points West Library When:Monday, May 5 Time: 6:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. BPL@Night is made possible, in part, by the Jefferson County Commission through the Jefferson County Community Arts Fund administered by the Cultural Alliance of Greater Birmingham , and by grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts . BPL thanks Compass Ban...

In Notasulga, Alabama, a few miles from Tuskegee, one of the earliest Rosenwald schools is still standing, but in dilapidated condition. Community members are trying to place the school, built in 1914, on the National Register of Historic Places. (courtesy of Diane Granat) Julius Rosenwald, co-owner and president of the Sears department stores, funded the Rosenwald Schools for the education of rural African-American children living in the early twentieth-century south. Booker T. Washington approached him about spending some of the money Rosenwald donated to Tuskegee Institute to construct six small schools in rural Alabama. When these schools were opened, Rosenwald was so pleased with the results that he set up the Julius Rosenwald Fund to build more African-American schools throughout the south. Historian and preservationist Dorothy Walker will discuss the history of these schools and today's efforts to save the few surviving buildings. Wednesday, April 30, noon. Feed your body a...

Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli tells the inspirational story of Mr. Hatch who lives a dull, routine, uneventful life. He takes the same route to work, day in and day out. He eats the same boring meal day in, day out. He may have a sandwich and a prune for dessert. He keeps to himself, talks to no one really. You get the idea. Until one day, Mr. Hatch receives a simply terrific surprise, a heart-shaped box of chocolates. Who sent this wonderful gift to Mr. Hatch? He wonders. This box of chocolates makes a spectacular change in the life of Mr. Hatch. He finally receives a gift much more wonderful than he could ever imagine. This book is about giving, sharing and receiving. Often simple acts show that you care, and can make such a difference to those that are lonely and in need. We often do not know the impact we have had on the lives of others. This funny, delightful book delivers an extraordinary gift. Share this book with a child. This is a message that we should em...

New Kids in the Neighborhood , Norman Rockwell, 1967 Explore how writers and artists such as Harper Lee used various media to express their thoughts about the pressing social issues of the twentieth century. Presented by poet Irene Latham and artist Liz Reed. Wednesday, April 23, noon. Feed your body and mind at BPL's Brown Bag Programs . You bring the lunch and we'll bring the drinks. Wednesdays at noon in the Arrington Auditorium located on the 3rd floor of the Linn-Hinley Research Library, 2100 Park Place.

The Birmingham Public Library will offer “Legal Readiness,” the next class in the popular, ongoing retirement series. Anne Mitchell, Attorney at Law for Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell, and Berkowitz, P.C. , will discuss the ins and outs of the law for those planning on retiring, no matter how close or far away you may be. She will discuss wills and trusts, estate planning, powers of attorney, and other issues. She will go over the key legal terms that you should know before you sail off into the sunset. Seminar Details: What: “Legal Readiness” in The Retirement Seminars series When: Thursday, April 24th, 10:00a.m. - noon Where: Central Library auditorium Cost: Free and open to the public

Look no further! We can help. The Birmingham Public Library now has the Birmingham City Schools’ Accelerated Reader (AR) list available online. The Library has subscribed to “ Read the Books ” which offers a feature that produces a sortable Accelerated Reader list. What’s great about this feature is that all the books are linked to the Birmingham Public Library’s online catalog. Birmingham City School students, teachers and parents will be able to access school lists from the Birmingham Public Library website and sort by title, author, points, and grade, and then check the catalog. What a timesaver!