Birmingham Public Library Blog

Are you looking for the next fascinating book to read? Have you already read the books by your favorite authors? Don’t panic. Come join us to discover the treasure map and locate your next great read–online! Tuesday, October 7, noon. Live @ Central Library and simulcast at Five Points Wes t and Springville Road libraries. 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!

Paul Newman , one of the most well-known and talented actors of his generation, died on Friday. He accomplished so much during his career that it’s difficult to write a short description. One reference book lists Paul Newman’s occupations as actor, director, producer, screenwriter, philanthropist, chef, and auto racer. Born January 26, 1925 in Cleveland, OH, Newman was a leading man by 10 years old, starring in a local production of St. George and the Dragon . After studying at the Yale School of Drama, Newman began performing in television plays and his success led to work on Broadway. His film debut in 1955 was the beginning of a storied career that spanned over five decades. He is well-known for his memorable performances in movies such as Cool Hand Luke , Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid , Cat on a Hot Tin Roof , and The Sting . With a career total of 10 Academy-Award nominations, including a Best-Picture nomination as producer of Rachel, Rachel , he won the Best-Actor award fo...

Through her imagination, a little girl dreams of what her day might be like as President of the United States. So busy! Why she has executive orders to give, daily briefs to review, photo ops, press conferences, etc. She also has to be protected by a special “Secret Service Agent” on the playground (enter cat with dark sunglasses). She even has the power to veto “lunch specials” and school musicals. The list goes on. As Madam President, she must be careful to handle certain situations with grace and be a diplomat. Therefore, she will not comment on certain individuals with wild hats! Of course, she must show leadership abilities by first cleaning her own room. After a full day, Madam President can rest and begin again another day. Madam President is a humorous book with adorable illustrations. The author reminds young girls to dream big, be assertive and have confidence. Lane Smith introduces us to a confident little character who is sure she can rise to any task and become a most inf...

Please join us in the annual celebration of “Banned Books Week: Celebrating The Freedom To Read.” Each year, during the last week in September, we celebrate the freedom to make choices among which books to read, to express opinions and to make choices between a wide variety of viewpoints and varying sides of issues. This year, we will celebrate Banned Books Week during September 27 through October 4, 2008. This year is special cause for celebration since it marks the 27th anniversary of “Banned Books Week.” Read a book from the list of most frequently challenged books of 2007 , stir up your imagination and challenge some ideas! You might also take a look at the list of top 100 challenged books of the 1990's. The following is a list of ideas from the American Library Association Website you might explore to support Banned Books Week: Get Involved : Go to school board meetings. Volunteer at your local public library to create an event that helps to celebrate our freedom to read Sp...

For the Love of Autumn by Patricia Polacco is a sweet story about a kitten and a young, romantic student teacher. Oddly enough, my energetic, WipeOut -obsessed, truck-bashing son has been requesting it every night since I brought it home from the library. It's reassuring to know there's a gentle side under all those snakes, snails, and puppy dog tails. Danielle falls in love with her kitten at first sight, naming her Autumn because it's almost Halloween. They spend their days playing and lounging on the sofa, munching on popcorn and watching TV. One day Danielle receives a letter offering her a teaching position in Port Townsend, Washington. She's thrilled because she has always wanted to live by the sea. Danielle rents a cozy cottage on the bay and begins teaching a classroom full of inquisitive moppets. They want to know all about her. Is she married? Danielle wistfully answers no, but someday she'll meet "the one." "How will you know he's the...

As the election approaches, we are pleased to welcome as our guest speaker Dr. Natalie Davis, Professor of Political Science at Birmingham-Southern College . Dr. Davis, a noted commentator on both local and national political affairs, will discuss the candidates, the issues, and the possible outcomes of this year’s presidential contest. Wednesday, October 1, 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.

David Wroblewski's debut novel, The Story of Edgar Sawtelle , is the fall pick for Oprah's Book Club . Wroblewski's novel is about a mute boy named Edgar who lives with his parents on a peaceful, remote farm in northern Wisconsin. The Sawtelles have raised and trained companionship dogs for generations, and one dog, Almondine, has become one of Edgar's best friends and strongest allies on the farm. Edgar's idyllic existence is shattered with the sudden arrival of his uncle Claude, who worms his way into his mother's affections when Edgar's father dies unexpectedly. Edgar's insistence on proving that Claude had a hand in his father's death backfires, and he's forced to flee his home, along with three yearling dogs who follow him into the wilderness that lays beyond the farm. But his desire to prove that Claude murdered his father preys on him, and he makes his way back home for a final confrontation. Reserve your copy and see why Stephen King had...

Avast ye readers and prepare to drop anchor for it's Talk Like a Pirate Day today! Here are some key words to help expand your pirate vocabulary. • Aarrr! Pirate exclamation. Done with a growl and used to emphasize the pirate's current feelings. • Ahoy Hello • Avast Stop and pay attention • Beauty a lovely woman • Cutlass Popular sword among pirates • Lubber Land lover. Someone who doesn't want to go to sea. • Matey Friend or comrade • Ne’er-do-well A scoundrel or rascal After ye learn how to talk like a pirate, find a tale or two to tell to your matey. Or, become an expert pirate historian . See what other plunder the library has before ye weigh anchor. Aarrr!