A Novel Tasting - Benefit For The Birmingham Public Library

The Birmingham Public Library is delighted to announce A Novel Tasting 2023! This festive evening will feature a tasting of fine wines, locally crafted beers, and distilled spirits. Guests will enjoy live music, catered food, and complimentary drinks.

The second annual A Novel Tasting will take place on Thursday, April 6, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at downtown's Central Library.

As part of the night's entertainment, attendees will have the opportunity to bid on an alluring lineup of silent auction items, try their luck at Cryptic Corks, and take a fun video with friends in a 360 photo booth. A cigar bar will be set up outside for aficionados of fine tobacco, and a VIP reception will be held between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m.

Please don't miss out on what promises to be an exciting celebration! Tickets are available for purchase now on Eventbrite. 

Participation in A Novel Tasting will help the Birmingham Public Library continue to provide the highest-quality experience of lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, and enjoyment to our community. Proceeds from the event will fund programs at all BPL locations. 

Birmingham Public Library Presents ACT Prep Workshop - Saturday, October 8, 2022

The ACT test is often required for college admissions and scholarships, yet it is a dreaded and anxiety-filled experience for many high school students. The Birmingham Public Library is ready to help with our ACT Prep workshop taking place on Saturday, October 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Springville Road Regional Branch Library, 1224 Springville Road.

• Learn test-taking strategies and take a full-length practice ACT exam.

• Cost is $30.00 and includes test preparation materials, a calculator, and lunch.

• Tickets are required and are available through Eventbrite

.For more information about the ACT workshop, contact the Springville Road Library at 205-226-4083

Author Tania De'Shawn Speaking at BPL

Join us for a reading of Be Gentle With Black Girls by the author Tania De'Shawn.
Following the reading will be a panelist discussion with:

• Ashley M. Jones, Alabama Poet Laureate, as moderator

• Juana Thompson, President and CEO of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

• Lauren Whatley, a Women's Studies professor at the University of Alabama and an expert on race, gender, and systems of oppression

• Queen daPoetess, local poetess and co-owner of Majesty Lounge

Patrons can also participate in an Oriki station (Praise Poems from a West African tradition, affirming oneself through relationships between kinship and destiny), a "black girlhood be sacred: Stories behind Our Softness and Strength" story station with the BPL Archives and Southern History Department to contribute their own stories of black girlhood, a book signing, and a raffle to win a copy of Be Gentle with Black Girls.

*Discussions may touch on matters not intended for children. Young adults and older are welcome.

Details and registration information for this free event:

What: Be Gentle With Black Girls - Author Reading and Panel Discussion
When: Thursday, September 22, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Central Library Grand East Reading Room
Registration: Registration Link 

Food for Fines September 2022

Do you owe overdue fines in the library? Would you like to clear those fines and do a good deed -- all at the same time? Well, now's your chance!

How does it work?
$1.00 in fines will be waived for each food item donated in September for up to $10.00 per library card holder.

When and where can donations be made?
Donations will be accepted at all Jefferson County public libraries circulation desks during September.