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Resource of the Week

Developed with the guidance of African American librarians and subject specialists, The African American Experience is the widest ranging and easiest-to-use online database collection on African American history and culture.


Did You Know?

Patrons call, write, or visit from all over the world in order to find copies of their ancestors' or relatives' obituaries as part of their genealogical research. Most of these patrons utilize our online Obituary Index to Birmingham Area Newspapers when preparing for a visit or when placing a request for a copy of an obituary.

For an interesting read on the history of death notices in Birmingham newspapers and more detailed information about BPL's Obituary Index, visit our blog.

The Birmingham Scene:
Seldom-Seen Artwork from the 1930s and 1940s

From the toughest of times—The Great Depression through World War Il—comes astounding and touching artwork by local artists who depicted Birmingham daily life in landscapes, industrial locations, rural and urban settings, and African-American life. For decades, the works have been tucked away in dark corners of the city, protected but rarely displayed.

A collection of 60 pieces appear in the new exhibition, The Birmingham Scene: Seldom-Seen Artwork From the 1930s and 1940s. This exhibition is scheduled for November 6 through December 30 in the Fourth Floor Gallery of the Central Library. Opening lecture and reception will be Sunday, November 6, at 2:15 p.m. in the Arrington Auditorium at the Central Library. ...learn more

BPL Extends Thanks to Board Member Owens

Judge Shantá Craig Owens always had a love for books. Growing up in Birmingham, she spent many days during her youth in the library. That love for libraries led her to many years of volunteer service as a Birmingham Public Library (BPL) Trustee. She was first appointed to the Board in January 2006. Owens served on various Board committees during her tenure and in 2010 chaired the Public Relations Committee. She resigned from the BPL Board recently when her family moved outside of the Birmingham city limits. Owens is a Criminal District Court Judge for the Tenth Judicial Circuit and currently presides over the Jefferson County Drug Court Program. Aside from her love of public libraries, she enjoys reading, traveling, and swimming. She is married to Rahman Owens and they have one child. Trustees and staff of BPL extend their greatest appreciation to Judge Owens for her many years of service.

Our Spirit Will Not Be Broken: Voices from the April Storms

Many of us were deeply affected by the tornadoes that hit Central Alabama in April. The Jefferson County Library Cooperative (JCLC) and Real Life Poets, Inc. are joining together to offer those who wish to do so an opportunity to share their experiences through writing. This project is open to all ages.

You may submit your work at any Jefferson County library through January 31, 2012. You may also make submissions electronically to Haruyo Miyagawa (hm@bham.lib.al.us), Birmingham Public Library, Central- Arts, Literature, and Sports Department. The work can be in the written form of your choice: poem, short story, essay, etc. ...learn more

To help guide participants through the writing process, Real Life Poets is offering a workshop on Tuesday, November 15, at the Springville Road Regional Library. Prior reservations are recommended.

Last Call for Bards & Brews 2011

The Birmingham Public Library hosts the last Bards & Brews poetry slam/beer tasting of 2011 on Friday, November 4, at the Central Library. The slamming will resume in January 2012. Friday’s farewell event will feature Sharrif Simmons—musician, poet, and performer par excellence. Samples of Pinstripe Stout from Blue Pants Brewery—Alabama’s smallest brewery—will be served. ...learn more

Security Team Builds Appreciation for Rules

On a recent visit to the Central Library, patron Agnes Hail* took a few minutes to complete a comment card for the library director. In her comments, she thanked the BPL security staff for reviewing the library rules with her two students. Hail went on to mention how courteous the guards were and that they provided their service with a smile. After reading the card, BPL Director Renee Blalock immediately shared the remarks with appropriate staff. “It’s always important to commend our team members when library visitors offer positive feedback,” stated Blalock. "Ms. Hail’s remarks reinforce one of our main goals: to offer the very best in customer service.”

Members of BPL’s security team are responsible for enforcing all library rules and for providing general security in library facilities. They help ensure the safety of all patrons and staff, as well as protect against theft or misuse of library property. Additionally, team members are expected to render assistance to patrons and staff when necessary and feasible—without hesitation.

*Patron’s name was slightly changed.


November 4, 2011
Birmingham Public Library
2100 Park Place
Birmingham, Alabama 35203
(205) 226-3600
 
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