Back to School Resources

 

BPL has several databases providing free online help for K-12 students including HomeworkAlabama.org.

There are a myriad of resources for school age patrons. These databases/electronic resources provide educational experiences that allow younger patrons to learn and grow. Resources are accessible using a smartphone, tablet, or web browser, and many have downloadable content. Additionally, the Alabama Virtual Library (AVL) and the Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) provide the citizens of Alabama with many other electronic resources. AVL and APLS resources are available and accessible. Read more.

Language Learning For Kids

New language learning program designed just for children.
 
The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) is proud to announce the inclusion of award-winning language learning solution for children, Little Pim, to the database collection through our Mango Language.

BPL Mobile App

Download our new and improved mobile app and make your use of the library seamless and convenient.

The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) is excited to announce the launch of our new and improved library mobile app! Featuring a more engaging home screen and better functionality, the app can easily connect you with the library using your mobile device. 

With the new app you can: 

Juneteenth

 

Celebrate Juneteenth 2024 with the banging of an African drum from 6:00 -7:00 p.m. at the Central Library downtown next Tuesday, June 18, as the Birmingham Public Library Presents "Journey from Africa: The Drums of the Diaspora! With Barry Johnson."

Get a head-start on Juneteenth with this immersive experience of West African drumming, dance, and folklore led by Birmingham native Edmond “Barry” Johnson, a professional percussionist and drumming instructor who is well-rounded in the art of drumming.

Johnson is a founding member of the Sahi On Ko Djony Dance Company, which presented a similar African-drumming and folklore performance during Black History Month at Springville Road Regional Library in February. Sahi On Ko Djony Dance Company, which presented a similar African-drumming and folklore performance during Black History Month at Springville Road Regional Library in February. 

The Birmingham Public Library celebrates Juneteenth with a free  exhibition of West African drumming, dance and folklore at the Central Library from 6:00 to 700 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, 2024.  

What Is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday.. Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday. 

Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday.  On June 17, 2021, Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday. 

Offices in the City of Birmingham, including all BPL locations, will be closed to celebrate Juneteenth on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. 

Although Juneteenth 2024 is over a week away, the Birmingham Public Library has gotten a jump-start this week on what is celebrated as freedom day by African-Americans across the United States.

2024 Juneteenth Programs underway at BPL include:

 • Wylam Branch Library Juneteenth Keychain activity 

Adults at Wylam Branch last week made Juneteenth keychains and other crafts. 

• Juneteenth Earrings craft  kits available at Avondale Regional Library throughout June

Avondale Regional Library Juneteenth bracelet craft

- Available throughout June, Avondale’s Juneteenth Bracelet craft kit has everything you need to craft your own keepsake bracelet. Kits available while supplies last! 

• Q-Tip Juneteenth Flag painting at Southside Branch Library that kicked off today, Monday, June 10 and runs through Friday, June 14 during library hours. 

All members of the family can enjoy creating their own Juneteenth flag painting at Southside Branch Library. The Juneteenth flag represents the freedom and the end of slavery.

 • Juneteenth bracelet-making at West End Branch Library at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 11. Patrons of all ages are invited to make a colorful bracelet with a Juneteenth theme at West End Branch. Oak Street Health is providing snacks for the event. 

• Bead Creations: Juneteenth Edition, Smithfield Branch Library from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11.

 D.I.Y. jewelry making activity for Smithfield Library patrons of all ages.

 • Juneteenth Painting Celebration at Pratt City Branch Library happening at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12. 

 Jump into the festivities through the power of art and create an abstract painting to enjoy at Pratt City Branch Library.

By Roy L. Williams| BPL Public Relations Director

This Saturday! 12-4 p.m.

Join the Birmingham Public Library (BPL) for our first-ever Summer Art Market this Saturday, June 8, at the Central Library from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.! Support local artists and makers in the comfort of your local library—and sign up for Summer Reading 2024.

Even better, the Central Library offers free parking for patrons on our lot that is attached to the East Building! Which is where you will find our featured food trucks, too. 

TonieBoxes @ BPL

 

TonieBoxes are now available for check-out. What Is A Toniebox? The Toniebox is a digital audio player (screen-free) for children. This innovative toy uses audio storytelling to introduce pre-readers and developing readers to the wonders of narrative. The music and stories that come with each Tonie make a great supplement to playtime. 

The system combines songs and stories with a unique element of play in an intuitive and durable unit for children. It is the perfect first audio system for kids. It's easy to use, engaging, and best of all, a lot of fun! 

Tonies were created with the goal of creating a way for kids to experience storytelling in a digital age that stimulates their imagination in ways that a screen can't. It allows kids (and parents) to feel good about their entertainment at home and to bring back imagination in its purest form. The Toniebox was officially launched in Europe in 2016 and in the U.S.A. in 2020 and has rapidly become one of the top toys. 

Tonies will be available at various Birmingham Public Library locations starting with the Avondale Regional Public Branch Library (available now). Please check with your local BPL branch for more information and share your interest in having TonieBoxes at your local library.

Read more about TonieBoxes here.

Local Artists & Makers Wanted

 

Vendors call for the 1st ever BPL Summer Art Market! 

We are looking for local artists & makers to sell their handmade pieces at the Central Library on Saturday, June 8, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. The market will be in the Grand Commons on the 1st floor of the Central library. 

To be a vendor, you must apply & later pay the $20.00 vendor fee if your application is accepted. Tables will be provided to vendors who request them. Applications close on Friday, May 3, & acceptance notices will be sent out by Friday, May 10. 

Use this link to apply! https://bit.ly/bplartmarktapp 

If you have more questions or are a food truck & would like to be a part, contact Librarian Weston Flippo at 205-226-3690 or weston.flippo@cobpl.org