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	Resource of the Week Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institute With over 16 million items in its continually growing collections, the Archives is the world’s largest and most widely used resource dedicated to collecting and preserving the papers and primary records of the visual arts in America.


	Did You Know? The Fiction Department at Central Library has available a list of international mystery authors to help you choose some books when you're in the mood to travel the globe, visiting the geysers of Iceland, the Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janerio, or wherever the author sends you. Set the course for adventure by stopping in and picking up a handout.

The Youth Department at the Birmingham Public Library

City’s Library Lauded as Tops for Children
Livability.com notes bonus for community
with library system’s 18 sites

The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) has been recognized by Livability.com as one of the “Top Ten Libraries for Children.” In developing the Top Ten List, Livability looked at 500 libraries to determine those with the best kid appeal, and BPL with numerable kid-centric programs and activities earned a place on the list.

Libraries are often one of the first encounters with life-long learning for children, and a visit to the library is one of the best ways to spark the interest of children in reading. Birmingham Public Library Director Renee Blalock says, “We are extremely pleased with this recognition. In developing youth programs and services, our goal is to create opportunities that appeal to children by stimulating their imaginations and interest in the library and its resources. As one of the ten libraries on this list, this accolade is for our entire BPL team as we provide high quality service to patrons of all ages.” ...learn more

BPL Receives “Community Education Organization of the Year” Award from the Metro Birmingham Branch of the NAACP

On January 21, 2012, the NAACP chose BPL as its “Community Education Organization of the Year.” The library is humbled by this marvelous honor. With branches in all corners of the city, the Birmingham Public Library strives to provide the highest quality library service to our citizens for lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, and enjoyment.

In addition to this honor, Livability.com has chosen the Birmingham Public Library as one of the “Top 10 Libraries for Children.” According to their website, the staff of Livability “has spent more than 20 years finding the good stuff in small to mid-sized communities across America.” The group chose BPL for all the great programs the library provides the city’s youth, such as 1-2-3 Play with Me, WORD UP!, Ghoul’s Ball, and the library’s popular Summer Reading program featuring NFL wide-receiver Jerricho Cotchery. ...learn more

African-American History Month

We are a few days away from the beginning of African-American History Month. Many students will be looking for books and information to help them complete assignments. A good place to start is the subject guide for African-American History Month. The guide provides a list of reference books, databases, magazines, newspapers, and websites you can use to find the information you need. A separate list of reference books for younger students is also included in the guide. ...learn more

*ALERT* Bards & Brews Travels to Avondale Library on February 3

The popular Bards & Brews Poetry Slam is hitting the road in February. Held the first Friday of each month, the February 3 edition of Bards & Brews is at the Avondale Regional Library. The program begins at 6:30 p.m. with live music. Bards & Brews returns to Central Library on Friday March 2. ...learn more

February 3, 2012
Birmingham Public Library
2100 Park Place
Birmingham, Alabama 35203
(205) 226-3600