Birmingham Public Library Blog

  Got Sun? Grow Food! Cicero is quoted as saying, “If you have a garden and a library you have everything you need.” Reading this quote was the final piece that spurred the staff at Southside Branch Library into action. As a very novice gardener and houseplant mom, I have always seen the connection between libraries and gardens: community, or the ability to share you with love and knowledge with others.  With COVID-19 and its disastrous effects still lingering, many people have begun to become self-reliant and figure out how to do things on their own. Interest in things like crafting, home repairs, canning and preserving, and yes, gardening, have recently hit an all-time high.  The Guardian recently ran an article that says  "The gardening trend that  began during the pandemic is here to stay."  While we are just getting started, our goal is to create a seed library that fits our community’s growing conditions and interests. Our seed library, which we have ...

We are excited to be hosting Bards & Brews Open Mic Pride at True Story Brewing Company in just one week! This upcoming open mic night is Pride-themed in honor of Pride Month . Spoken word artists are welcome to show off their talent on stage.

The Birmingham Public Library is now offering a new electronic resource, called iVOX, for our patrons.  iVOX is basically an online version of the read-along VOX Books with a 3D component. There are limited number of titles available currently, but more are being added.  iVOX is available from the BPL Databases page .   What is iVOX?  iVOX™ is an interactive storybook app for children ages 2-10. iVOX allows users to read, watch, and interact with books in completely new ways. iVOX brings books to life, captivating children and parents by creating a truly educational and hands-on reading experience. iVOX can be used with a browser or an app for iOS, Android, or Kindle Fire. No matter which way iVOX is accessed, it’s easy and intuitive. Users simply choose a book, check it out, and press play.  Here are some details you need to know about iVOX:  • Recommended for ages 2-10. • Inside library access is automatic. • Outside library requires library zip cod...

   Birmingham, Ala . - Join  Inglenook Branch Library , 4100 40th Terrace North, for a discussion on women's health issues from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. tonight, Friday, May 27, 2022. It is the last in a series of free women's health workshops the  Birmingham Public Library   began hosting in March 2022. The workshops, funded by a $20,000 grant  The Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library  received from the  Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham  (CFGB), conclude with a Finale, Food & Fun Family Event being held on Friday, June 10, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the North Birmingham Branch Library .  Attendees of the finale will receive door prizes including gas cards. Tonight's event at Inglenook Library will feature keynote speaker Dr. Mia Cowan, founder of MiBella Wellness Center . An award-winning author and experienced doctor, Dr. Cowan specializes in gynecology, wellness, weight management, and intimacy. In addi...

Catherine Oseas Champion is BPL's assistant archivist.  Catherine Oseas Champion, the Birmingham Public Library 's assistant archivist, has been named 2022 winner of the American Library Association (ALA) Rainbow Round Table's Newlen-Symons Award for Excellence.  Presented by the Rainbow Round Table (RRT) , the Newlen-Symons Award honors a librarian, library staff member, library, library board, and/or library friends group who have designed programs and/or initiatives responsive to the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community.  The Rainbow Round Table will present the award to Catherine during the ALA Annual Conference on Monday, June 27 in Washington D.C.  Kathleen Breitenbach, Rainbow Round Table Chair, said of Catherine:  "The Rainbow Round Table Executive Board read of your in-depth work at the Birmingham Public Library, your connections with numerous local organizations, and your efforts to maintain and archive important historical materials. One of your colleagu...

The Dannon Project  and the  Birmingham Public Library  (BPL) are excited to announce their continuing partnership to provide life-restoring resources and the highest-quality experience of life to the Birmingham community! The Citywide Resource Fair will take place at downtown’s  Central Library  from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 2. It is free to the public.  This annual event offers library patrons and the general public a chance to gather information about resources, services, and opportunities available to them through community-based organizations. There will also be door prizes, complementary food, and giveaways! Home renovation, housing, legal, senior, and transportation assistance are all categories that will be addressed at the Citywide Resource Fair.  See the Citywide Resource Fair participants list below. Organizations such as  Alabama Regional Medical Services  and  Callahan Eye Hospital  will administer heal...

Don't mess with this wild duo! Reference photo from Collider . In honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month , you should check out Hunt for the Wilderpeople . It is a fun movie to watch with friends and family! Taika Waititi unapologetically blends offbeat humor with a charming, quick wit in all of his movies—but especially Hunt for the Wilderpeople .

  Malcolm X Today, May 19, 2022, would have been late Nation of Islam Leader Malcolm X's 97th birthday. To celebrate, Pratt City Branch Library is giving away Malcolm X Grab-in-go kits from Thursday, May 19, through Thursday, May 26.  Through these kits, young kids will get to know Malcolm X, the little boy from the Midwest who grew up to become a natural leader.  He was born on May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska as Malcolm Little before changing his name to Malcolm X after converting over to Islam.  Malcolm X was assassinated at age 39 while speaking in New York City on February 21, 1965.  Malcolm X was a smart student and learned many things about life, equality, and justice. Like his father, he traveled the world to speak about his beliefs hoping to make changes in the world. Help us celebrate Malcolm X’s birthday beginning May 19 by visiting Pratt City Branch, 509 Dugan Avenue, to pick up a Happy 97th Birthday Malcolm X Grab & Go kit. Enjoy these kits fi...