Birmingham Public Library Blog

What:  Citizen Services – How to Get Unstuck out of a Rut seminar When: Saturday, September 7, 11:45 a.m.–1:45 p.m. Where:   Central Library /Linn-Henley Research Library/ Regional Library Computer Center /4th floor Details:  Hosted by Sophia Hampton, educator and Magic City Toastmaster . Free but registration required. Is your life filled with stress, worry, and anxiety? Are you tired of being sick and tired, feeling stuck with no way out? You’ve been down so long until getting up hasn’t crossed your mind. This seminar is sure to give you the boost that you need to get unstuck out of a rut. By attending this seminar you will: Become familiar with the signs of being in a rut and walk away feeling empowered and prepared to get unstuck. Discover ways of how to get from where you are to where you want to be. Develop insight into the crutches that are keeping you in the stuck position. Learn fun ways to boost your self-esteem and self-confidence and reignite y...

Nonprofit organizations come in many different shapes and sizes, but they all have one thing in common: they want to develop, fund, and implement creative programs that serve to fulfill their mission. Most people who work in the nonprofit world have the desire and commitment to make this happen, but they often lack access to learning resources that will help them understand how best to get there. If you feel like this applies to you, whether you are an experienced nonprofit leader or someone brand new to the field, then you will want to attend the Birmingham Public Library’s Nonprofit Management Class Series. The classes will be offered at the library’s Central Location from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the following months: July–October, December 2019. The classes are offered as part of a collaboration between BPL and the Harvard Club of Birmingham . The series instructor is John Whitman, PhD. A veteran of both the private and nonprofit sectors, Dr. Whitman has also ...

What: The Less Things Change: Charles Brooks and the Art of Alabama Politics exhibit When: August 20, 2019, through October 4, 2019 Where: Birmingham Public Library – Central Library/Fourth Floor Gallery Details: Free and open to the public during library hours For our next exhibit the Birmingham Public Library revisits the work of longtime Birmingham News political cartoonist Charles Brooks. The exhibit, The Less Things Change: Charles Brooks and the Art of Alabama Politics , looks at Brooks’ commentary on politics in his home state from the 1950s to the 1980s. Visitors familiar with Alabama politics will experience a striking sense of déjà vu when looking at the span of Charles Brooks’ work. Cartoons that Brooks drew decades ago could run in an Alabama newspaper today and still be relevant. He was a strong advocate for a viable two-party system in the state, and frequently addressed issues such as the state’s unfair tax structure and poorly funded educational system. Bro...

Are you making plans to travel abroad this fall? Start your passport process at the Birmingham Public Library. Staffers trained by the U.S. Department of State’s Passport Center are available at five BPL locations to assist you: the Central Library downtown and four regional libraries— Avondale , Five Points West, North Birmingham , and Springville Road.  No appointments are necessary at the Central Library; passport appointments must be made in advance at the other four BPL locations - Avondale, Five Points West, North Birmingham, and Springville Road. It is important to take steps to get a passport early because, on average, the U.S. Department of State says it takes six to eight weeks to receive your passport in the mail after completing an application. You can request expedited service for an additional fee. Call 205-226-3601 for more information about BPL's passport services. In addition to accepting walk-ins, the Central Library also takes passport photos f...

By Jim Murray, Business, Science and Technology Department, Central Library What: The State Wins Documentary Film Premiere When: Saturday, August 24, 2019 Time: 1:00–2:30 p.m. Where: Birmingham Public Library – Central Library /Linn-Henley Research Library/Arrington Auditorium/4th floor Documentary filmmaker Sonya "Sam" Mitchell Football season is right around the corner, and, in Alabama, that’s like having your birthday, Christmas, and the 4th of July all rolled into one. What’s that? You’re not familiar with the anticipation and excitement that grips all residents of the Heart of Dixie at this time of year? Well, that is just unacceptable. Not having an adequate understanding of the place football holds in the heritage of our state is certainly a dangerous symptom of cultural illiteracy and must be attended to immediately. Fortunately, a remedy is available in the form of the documentary film The State Wins , which is directed by local Birmingham filmm...

What: Bards & Brews Open Mic Poetry When : Friday, Sept. 6, 6:30-9:00 p.m. Where: Iron City Grill , 2208 6th Ave. South, Birmingham, Ala. Details : Free to the public but you must be 21 or older to buy alcohol. Food and beer will be available for purchase from Iron City Grill. Past Poetry Slam winner Jahman Hill performs. If you missed Bards & Brews at Iron City Grill last week (August 2) , the Birmingham Public Library's popular spoken-word poetry/craft beer program is headed back to the Southside eatery for the second straight month in September. Mark your calendar for Friday, September 6, 2019, when Bards & Brews returns to Iron City Grill. Registration for participating spoken word artists will begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by poetry performances beginning at 9:00 p.m. with Voice Porter serving as host and emcee. Food and beer will be available for purchase inside  Iron City Grill . Bards & Brews received national attention in March 2019 when...

By Lynn Hutchins, Circulation Department , Central Library Need a hand with homework? We can help! On-demand tutoring, online at: http://aplsws1.apls.state.al.us/aplsnew/homework/ . Free and easy access from any device. Tutors are available 24/7 in most subjects, so students can request help when and how they need it: Connect with an algebra tutor at 2:00 a.m. for an unscheduled review session Schedule an appointment with a biology tutor to prepare for an exam Submit an essay or writing assignment for asynchronous review Students can even review or replay their sessions in real time to brush up on key skills before an assessment, or take diagnostic quizzes to identify areas where they need more help.

What: Steps to Starting Your Business When: 3rd Tuesday of each month, July–November 2019 Time: 12:00–1:00 p.m. Where: Central Library, Linn-Henley Research Library, Arrington Auditorium, 4th floor The Birmingham Public Library, in collaboration with SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) and the City of Birmingham’s Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity, will continue hosting the monthly seminar Steps to Starting Your Business from July to September 2019. The seminar is scheduled to be held on the following Tuesdays from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., in the Arrington Auditorium, which is located on the 4th floor of the Linn-Henley Research Library: August 20, September 17, October 15, November 19 . Each seminar will cover the same topics, but those who are interested are welcome to attend more than one day. Topics covered will include crafting a vision statement, identifying sources of funding, determining the legal structure of your business, devising a business ...