Birmingham Public Library Blog

In mid-June OverDrive users with Windows PC will be able to install OverDrive Media Console version 3.2 that will allow downloadable titles to be compatible with iPod and other Apple devices such as iPhone, iPod touch, and iPod nano, along with Zune and many other portable devices. The growing collection of iPod-compatible, Mac®-friendly OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks will still be available to help libraries better serve patrons with Apple computers. Windows PC users can obtain the new version of the free software when it is released through their library's download website or at http://overdrive.com/software/omc . Participating publishers include Random House Audio, Hachette Audio, Penguin Audio, BBC Audiobooks America, Brilliance Audio, Tantor Media and many more. OverDrive provides download services for more than 8,500 libraries, retailers, and schools worldwide with support for PC, Mac, iPod, Sony® Reader, and virtually any MP3 player. OverDrive also operates the Digital Bookmobile...

"Hey, let's be Odysseus. Let's be Byron. Let's be Don Quixote, Huck Finn, and Jack Kerouac all rolled into one—except with lip gloss." In 1986 before home computers and e-mail were commonplace, before even first graders had cell phones stuffed into their backpacks, two smart but naive Ivy League graduates planned a trip around the world, their itinerary inspired by the “Pancakes of Many Nations” paper placemat at the local IHOP. Susan Jane Gilman and “Claire van Houten”—more acquaintances than good friends—would start their adventure in Hong Kong, and from there travel on to China, India, Bali, and Thailand. They would be gone for one year, right about the time when Susie's student loans came due. But like most pampered Americans who have never traveled outside of their comfort zones, Susie and Claire find themselves immersed in a culture of strange food and unreliable transportation, where a phone call home might take two hours to patch through, and the...

Fatigue was not a factor. The Los Angeles Lakers and Orlando Magic each played a seven-game series in the conference semifinals, yet both teams emerged from the conference finals as champions with the opportunity over the next two weeks to become the 2009 NBA Champion. Even though Cleveland coasted through the playoffs, not losing a game in the first two rounds, they were not able to handle the Orlando Magic. The Denver Nuggets lost a total of two games in the first two rounds and that is the number they won against the Los Angeles Lakers. To be fair, a couple of games in each series could have gone either way, but as we all know, the only thing that matters is the score at the buzzer. The most significant thing to me about this Finals matchup is the opportunity for each team to erase the curse of Shaquille O’Neal . What curse, you say? The Orlando Magic have not appeared in the NBA Finals since Shaq played for Orlando, despite having all-star players such as Penny Hardaway , Grant H...

Parents, get ready, summer is almost here! I know you are on the lookout for awesome youth activities that will be both fun and educational. Be sure to check out the fantastic arts and culture summer activities offered for grades k-12 by The Cultural Alliance of Greater Birmingham . The Birmingham Public Library is offering Summer Reading Programs for children , teens and adults . Please check out your library's creatively themed collection of materials related to art , crafts , music , dance , theater , photography and writing . The library has all the cool new books, dvds and cds to help release your inner artist. Develop your artistic talents or discover new creative treasures! We are there for your summer reading needs! Click on the following links below to browse materials in your library catalog. If you do not find what you need, you may try more subject specific searches in the library catalog or investigate Interlibrary Loan . Remember, be creative and have a blast! Art...

Please join us as the North Birmingham Regional Library welcomes the Birmingham Heritage Band for a celebration of jazz music on Tuesday, June 2, 2009. The Birmingham Heritage Band is famous for playing jazz music from the Big Band era. All ages are welcome and light refreshments will be served. Event Details: Where: North Birmingham Regional Library When: Tuesday, June 2 Time: 6:30 p.m.

Visit the IMAX Dome Theater at McWane Science Center this summer, Tuesday, May 26 - Tuesday, June 23 for an incredible IMAX viewing experience: Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian . A giant 5 story tall dome screen and 3 tons of giant speakers allow you to go behind the walls of the the spectacular Smithsonian Museum Complex and have a truly interactive visit. In fact, this is the first major movie to be filmed inside the Smithsonian located in Washington, D.C. It's something you'll definitely want to check out! Please visit the McWane Science Center Website for movie dates and times. You'll see your favorite characters from the first film, as well a ferocious one ton T-Rex, an Egyptian pharaoh, Amelia Earhart's classic airplane and the extraordinarily enthusiastic 26th President of the United States, Teddy Roosevelt. Just think, you'll visit behind the walls of the Smithsonian Institution and see some of the actual artifacts housed there, including a T-...

Join us for Summer Reading begining June 1. Visit any BPL location for details and to sign up.

Great news! We have an exciting new BPL Adult Summer Reading Program to tell you about! Beginning June 1, Birmingham Public Library will offer "Express Yourself @ your library" for adults. So make plans now to kick back, relax and enjoy some alone time with a great book. Adults will be asked to complete an entry form, including name, contact information (phone or e-mail) and the name of the book you read. If you would like, you may also keep a log of the books you read during the summer. Libraries will have weekly drawings for small prizes. In August, a drawing will be held at Central Library for at least three big prizes and other additional prizes. Central Library will be participating in this program as well as the following branches: Avondale, Five Points West, Springville Road, North Birmingham, Pratt City, Smithfield, East Ensley, Inglenook, Southside, Titusville, West End, Wylam, and North Avondale. Please check with your local branch for program information. Get read...