Birmingham Public Library Blog

  Over  70 Black History Month programs being held at 15  Birmingham Public Library  locations across the city  continue all month long through February 28.   BPL’s Southern History Department is hosting a free workshop,  DNA Testing for African Ethnicities, in the Central Library on Wednesday, February 19.  I nglenook Library’s “Steam Explorers” program on February 20  will introduce elementary aged children and others to these famous Black inventors.  Retired African American business owner  Jay Owens is hosting a book talk at Titusville Branch Library on Tuesday, February 18 .  Owens was a participant in BPL’s Local Authors Expo  the past two years.  Springville Road Library is hosting a free concert by the Bo Berry Quartet on Tuesday, February 18 . Bo Berry, a legendary trumpeter, is director of the Birmingham Heritage Band, and was a member of the Commodores back-up band in the 1970s.  Here is a listin...

  National Love Your Pets Day is coming up soon (February 20, 2025)! Since 66 percent of U.S. households own a pet, we thought it would be fun to share some of our pet related resources here at the North Birmingham Regional Library , show off some pictures of our furry friends  (see at bottom), and generally celebrate our beloved pets.  Pet Resources available for checkout at North Birmingham Library, 2501 31st Ave. North :  1. National Geographic Complete Guide to Pet Health, Behavior, and Happiness: The Veterinarian’s Approach to At-home Animal Care.   This useful guide gives tons of practical advice on pet nutrition, behavior/ training basics, how to help your aging pet, and much MUCH more. This book was put together by a veterinarian so you know the content comes from an informed source.  2. Cat Care 101: Essential Tips.  A very useful and informative guide for cat owners. Learn all about various breeds, making your cat happy, training, groomi...

Several Birmingham Public Library locations are holding activities to help make Valentine's Day even more special for loved ones this week.  Patrons are creating special Valentine's Day cards at East Ensley Branch Library through Friday , February 14. Adults at Powderly Branch Library's No-Sew Heart Pillow craft on Tuesday created soft, stuffed heart pillows using fabric cutting and tying techniques. Patrons at Inglenook Branch Library will decorate Valentine's cupcakes on Thursday, February 13. Titusville Branch Library on Friday will host Love & Hip-Hop Exercise class on Valentine's Day as well an all-day Love Day at the Library including speakers and a focus on books about love.  Here listed by library location are Valentine's Day programs happening through Friday, February 14: East Ensley Branch Library, 900 14th Street Ensley , Ph. (205) 787-1928   Tuesday, February 11- Friday, February 14, 9:00 a.m.  - 5:30 p.m.  Create Your Own Valentine's D...

  BPL Assistant Archivist Connor Marullo found the recipe for spice cake from a 1873 recipe book. The weather has been cold and wet and that makes me want something cozy to eat. In this case, I found a recipe for spice cake in a recipe book Kate Herman from 1873 in the Birmingham Department of Archives & Manuscripts.  The warm flavors of cinnamon and cloves remind me of the holidays. Even in ancient times nobility and workers would have enjoyed this recipe alike, though Spice Cake may have been called something a little different. What has now become spiced cake used to go by many other names such as Honey cake, Oat cake, and Fruit cake. As the recipe evolved and traveled around the world it would take on the local and available ingredients.  In the medieval period, spiced cake would have used honey instead of sugar. In the Americas, it would be made with molasses. However, the core of the recipe has stayed the same to create a sweet treat that everyone can enjoy....