Southern History Department (Birmingham Public Library System)

06/06/2026

Learn more about Audrey Bacon Byrd's fascinating life.

What: BPL Southern History Department Talk — "The Booker T. Washington Effect: Audrey's Story" Who: Bettina Byrd-Giles When: Tuesday,...

06/05/2026

Did you know?
You can walk into the Central Library anytime Mon–Fri from 10 AM–4 PM to apply for or renew your passport? No appointment needed!

Now is the perfect time to get travel-ready. As an official passport acceptance facility, BPL makes the process easy:

✅ Walk in at the Central Library (Mon–Fri, 10 AM–4 PM)
✅ Make an appointment at Avondale Regional Branch Library
✅ Passport photos available on-site

📌 Apply early and travel stress-free. Your passport to the world starts at BPL!

For more information, visit: https://www.cobpl.org/services/Passports.aspx

06/05/2026

Join us!

SAVE THE DATE!
From Tea to Treason - How Ordinary Colonists Were into Extraordinary Rebellion
Saturday, June 27, 2:00 PM
Birmingham Public Library, 2100 Park Place

Join us for this free event as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Historian Terri Hicks will explore the stories, struggles, and pivotal events that transformed ordinary colonists into revolutionaries and helped shape the birth of a nation.

Free and open to the public, but registration is required.
Register Here: bit.ly/43h5RHs

Sponsored by the Southern History Department of the Birmingham Public Library and the Birmingham Genealogical Society. This program is supported by America250AL.

06/03/2026

We hope you can join us!

PROGRAM AT A GLANCE What: BPL Southern History Department Talk — "The Booker T. Washington Effect: Audrey's Story" Presenter: Bettina Byrd-...

06/03/2026

CALLING ALL LOCAL AUTHORS!

Do you have a story to share? Here’s your chance to connect with readers and showcase your work at the Local Authors’ Expo!

We are now accepting author applications in the following categories:
Adult Fiction (20 spots)
Youth Authors (20 spots)
Adult Nonfiction (10 spots)

Whether you’re a published writer, indie author, or emerging storyteller, we’d love to feature your work in our community celebration of literature and creativity.

Application Deadline: June 18, 2026

Apply Here: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=VpGtdktonEqTIM0yeHhGtcvIBgKV6O5GkaxHAidyTK9URFVXNkIwUkI0TU00WUZBN1JITzJBVFJKRy4u&origin=QRCode&route=shorturl
If selected the cost to participate is $50.00.

Local Authors Expo
Saturday, August 1, 10 AM-2 PM
Birmingham Public Library, 2100 Park Place

For questions or more information:
[email protected]
205-226-4015

06/02/2026

Next week!
The Booker T. Washington Effect: Audrey's Story
Tuesday, June 9, 5:30 - 7 PM
Birmingham Public Library, 2100 Park Place

"The Booker T. Washington Effect: Audrey’s Story" is a captivating story that delves into the extraordinary life of Audrey Bacon Byrd. Born into the legacy of formerly enslaved individuals, Audrey's journey unfolds from her vibrant childhood in San Antonio, to her transformative college years at the historically Black Tuskegee Institute. As Audrey navigates through life, the series intricately explores her impactful years as an educator in Chicago and her eventual settlement in Northern California.

"The Booker T. Washington Effect: Audrey’s Story" is a testament to the enduring impact of education, resilience, and love across generations. This compelling presentation not only honors Audrey's legacy but also serves as a tribute to the broader narrative of African American history, education, and the power of enduring connections.

06/02/2026

Special Juneteenth webinar from FamilySearch on June 18!

On the 10‑year anniversary of the Freedmen’s Bureau Project, this Juneteenth Live shares how a global indexing effort (1,781,463 names) led to an unforgettable breakthrough years later. Using DiscoverFreedmen.org and the weekly community of Freedmen’s Bureau Friday, descendants discovered a tr...

05/26/2026

Join us on Tuesday, June 9 for a special presentation by Bettina Byrd-Giles! https://www.cobpl.org/calendar/?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D201806698

05/06/2026

Weather Alert ⚠️

All Birmingham Public Library locations will close at 2:00 PM today, Wednesday, May 6, due to the threat of inclement weather.

The safety of our patrons and staff is our top priority. Please stay safe and monitor local weather updates.

We appreciate your understanding!

05/04/2026

May the 4th be with you.