{{Short description|Public library in Birmingham, Alabama}} {{for|the main library in Birmingham, England|Birmingham Central Library}} {{Multiple issues| {{Tone|date=June 2019}} {{More citations needed|date=June 2019}} }} {{Use American English|date=August 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2025}} {{Infobox library | name = Birmingham Public Library | image = Birmingham Public Library Nov 2011.jpg | caption = | location = Birmingham, Alabama | coordinates = {{coord|33.5210|-86.8077|type:landmark_region:US-AL|display=inline,title}} | established = 1886 | num_branches = 18 | collection_size = 717,625<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bplonline.org/about/Annual/BPL_2020_Annual.pdf |title=FY 2019-20 Annual Report |publisher=Birmingham Public Library |access-date=August 13, 2022 |archive-date=June 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605142504/http://bplonline.org/about/Annual/BPL_2020_Annual.pdf}}</ref> | annual_circulation = 1,651,488<ref name="fy2009">{{cite web|url = http://www.bplonline.org/about/Annual/2009Statistics.aspx|title = Annual Report Statistics 2008-2009|accessdate = 3 March 2012|date = 9 March 2010|publisher = The Birmingham Public Library|archive-date = March 20, 2012|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120320013320/http://www.bplonline.org/about/Annual/2009Statistics.aspx|url-status = dead}}</ref> | pop_served = | budget = FY 2022 $13.2 million<ref name="fy2009" /> | director = Janine Langston (interim) <ref name="Terminal" >{{cite web |url = https://www.al.com/news/2020/12/birmingham-public-library-names-interim-director.html |title = Birmingham Public Library names interim director |accessdate = 26 July 2021 |author = Gregg Garrison |year = 2020 |publisher = al.com}}</ref> | num_employees = 300<ref name="budget fy2008">{{cite web |url=http://www.informationbirmingham.com/finance/proposed08/op/whole.pdf#page=56 |title=Mayor's Proposed Operating Budget Fiscal Year 2008 |accessdate=7 September 2007 |author=Mayor's Office |year=2007 |format=PDF |publisher=City of Birmingham, AL |pages=56 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928192101/http://www.informationbirmingham.com/finance/proposed08/op/whole.pdf#page=56 |archivedate=2007-09-28 |url-status=dead }}</ref> | website = http://www.bplonline.org }}
The '''Birmingham Public Library''' is one of the largest library systems in the southeastern United States. It consists of 19 branches, with a main or central library located in downtown Birmingham, Alabama. The main library is composed of two buildings, the East Building and the '''Linn-Henley Research Library''' containing the Tutwiler Collection of Southern History, and the Rucker Agee Map Collection.
== History == As an adjunct of Birmingham's public schools, the Birmingham Public Library was established in 1886. John H. Phillips, then superintendent of the public school system, set up a library in a room not much bigger than a closet. In 1913, a public library board was established, and the City of Birmingham assumed responsibility for funding the growing institution.
In 1918, a branch specifically for African-American residents to use was opened and named after Booker T. Washington.<ref name="Graham">{{cite book |last1=Graham |first1=Patterson Toby |title=A right to read : segregation and civil rights in Alabama's public libraries, 1900-1965 |date=2002 |publisher=University of Alabama Press |location=Tuscaloosa, Alabama |isbn=9780817311445 |page=14 }}</ref> The Booker T. Washington branch was headed by Mattie Herd Roland, the first African-American librarian in Alabama.<ref name=Graham />
The library was later moved to City Hall, where the collection burned in a fire in 1925. An impressive Neo-classical building of Indiana limestone was completed in 1927, serving as the central facility of the Birmingham Public Library for 57 years. The city's library system was desegregated in April 1963, in part because of a lawsuit filed by the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights on behalf of Joe and Lola Hendricks.<ref>Graham, Patterson Toby. A Right to Read : Segregation and Civil Rights in Alabama's Public Libraries, 1900-1965, University of Alabama Press, 2002. P. 84</ref> left|thumb|150px|Exterior of the Linn-Henley Research Library To accommodate the growing collection and demand for services, an additional structure containing {{convert|133000|sqft|m2}} of floor space was completed in 1984 and connected to the original building via a crosswalk. This building houses most of the Central Library's circulating and general reference collections, plus the technical services for the library system.
The original 1927 building was renovated in 1985 and renamed the Linn-Henley Research Library. This facility houses the library's special collections, and government publications. Together, these two buildings comprise the Central Library of the Birmingham Public Library system.
thumb|Entrance to the Linn-Henley Research Library thumb|left|North side of the main research room showing part of one of the Ezra Winter Murals<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bplonline.org/about/murals/LinnHenley.aspx |title=The Murals of The Central Library |website=Birmingham Public Library |access-date=August 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605191904/http://www.bplonline.org/about/murals/LinnHenley.aspx |archive-date=June 5, 2022}}</ref> in the Linn-Henley Research Library
In addition to the Central Library, the Birmingham Public Library system includes 17 branches located elsewhere in the city. This branch system was begun when the Birmingham library began to integrate libraries from independent communities that gradually became incorporated into Birmingham. In the 1980s, the library board had adopted plans to build regional libraries that would serve large sections of the city, would have larger collections and facilities, and would be opened more hours.
Annual circulation of roughly 1.7 million checkouts is matched by an equal number of materials being used within the libraries and via electronic access. Birmingham Public Library accounts for 46% of the circulation in the Jefferson County Library Cooperative, which posts a combined circulation of almost 3.7 million items checked out annually. The cooperative agreement that Birmingham Public Library shares with the other municipal public libraries of Jefferson County, Alabama greatly increases the number of library materials available to all library members. In fact, the Jefferson County Library Cooperative is a model for how separate governments can work together to provide a public service across city boundaries.
Floyd Council was named the first male African-American director of the Birmingham Public Library system in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/2017/10/birmingham_public_library_hire.html |title=Birmingham Public Library hires new executive director |last=Edgemon |first=Erin |date=23 October 2017 |website=AL.com |access-date=August 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727050948/https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/2017/10/birmingham_public_library_hire.html |archive-date=July 27, 2021}}</ref> Council's tenure was marked by internal conflict. Library employees suffered from "low morale,"<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://birminghamwatch.org/survey-finds-low-morale-library-board-expects-another-executive-session-may-8-discuss-executive-director/ |title=Survey Finds Low Morale at the Library; Board Expects Another Executive Session May 8 to Discuss Executive Director |last=Walburn |first=Jackie Romine |date=3 May 2018 |website=Birmingham Watch |access-date=August 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727050916/https://birminghamwatch.org/survey-finds-low-morale-library-board-expects-another-executive-session-may-8-discuss-executive-director/ |archive-date=July 27, 2021}}</ref> and allegations of a "toxic" work environment followed Council.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://birminghamwatch.org/birmingham-public-library-atmosphere-toxic-hostile-employees-say-leadership-not-faint-heart-new-director-responds/ |title=Birmingham Public Library Atmosphere 'Toxic' 'Hostile,' Employees Say. Leadership 'Not for Faint of Heart,' New Director Responds |last=Prickett |first=Sam |date=10 October 2018 |website=Birmingham Watch |access-date=August 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727050914/https://birminghamwatch.org/birmingham-public-library-atmosphere-toxic-hostile-employees-say-leadership-not-faint-heart-new-director-responds/ |archive-date=July 27, 2021}}</ref> Council was suspended without pay for a month in October 2020 for undisclosed reasons.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://wbhm.org/2020/birmingham-library-exec-returns-to-work-after-one-month-suspension/ |title=Birmingham Library Exec Returns to Work After One-Month Suspension |last=Prickett |first=Sam |date=15 November 2020 |website=WBHM |access-date=August 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620040818/https://wbhm.org/2020/birmingham-library-exec-returns-to-work-after-one-month-suspension/ |archive-date=June 20, 2021}}</ref> He resigned shortly after in December 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.birminghamtimes.com/2020/12/floyd-council-resigns-as-executive-director-of-birmingham-public-library/ |title=Floyd Council resigns as executive director of Birmingham Public Library |last=Wright |first=Erica |date=16 December 2020 |website=Birmingham Times |access-date=August 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324011827/http://www.birminghamtimes.com/2020/12/floyd-council-resigns-as-executive-director-of-birmingham-public-library/ |archive-date=March 24, 2022}}</ref>
The COVID-19 pandemic caused major service disruptions. All branches temporarily closed in March 2020 before reopening with a focus on virtual programming and curbside services. A budget cut of nearly two million dollars due to the pandemic caused the system to furlough 158 of its 211 employees in September 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.al.com/coronavirus/2020/09/birmingham-library-system-furloughs-158-after-city-budget-cuts.html |title=Birmingham library system furloughs 158 because of COVID |last=Roop |first=Lee |date=21 September 2020 |website=AL.com |access-date=August 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923052509/https://www.al.com/coronavirus/2020/09/birmingham-library-system-furloughs-158-after-city-budget-cuts.html |archive-date=September 23, 2021}}</ref> The Eastwood Branch Library was also permanently closed, the first branch to close since 2010. Many of the furloughed employees returned in December 2020 when curbside service was expanded to all neighborhood branches.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.al.com/news/2020/12/holiday-spirit-birmingham-digs-in-to-reserves-to-bring-back-up-to-132-employees.html |title=Holiday spirit: Birmingham digs in to reserves to bring back up to 132 employees |last=Garrison |first=Greg |date=December 2020 |website=AL.com |access-date=August 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727050917/https://www.al.com/news/2020/12/holiday-spirit-birmingham-digs-in-to-reserves-to-bring-back-up-to-132-employees.html |archive-date=July 27, 2021}}</ref>
== Major collections and services ==
Tutwiler Collection of Southern History and Literature is a collection that covers Southern life and culture. There are extensive newspaper clipping files on local and regional history that can be searched for information along with periodicals and online databases. Other collections of note included are the Caribbean Collection, the Rucker Agee Map Collection, and the Rare Book Collection of early Americana.
In 2006, Digital Collections was initiated to preserve and make available the local history of Birmingham and the surrounding area.
Virtual Library Services include online databases, eBooks and downloadable audio books, Ask A Librarian, blogs and RSS feeds and other Internet resources.
Public Computing Services include public access computers at all locations and free wireless access to the Internet via Wi-Fi available at the Central Library, Avondale Branch, Five Points West Branch, North Birmingham Branch, Springville Road Branch and West End Branch.
== Library events ==
Alabama Bound is an annual book and author fair that celebrates Alabama authors and publishers. Hosted by the Birmingham Public Library, it is an event where fans may meet authors, buy their books and hear them read from and talk about their work. Book signings follow each presentation.
==Branches== The Birmingham Public Library operates 18 branches throughout many of Birmingham's neighborhoods. In addition to the Central Branch in Downtown, four larger branches are operate as regional branches.
{| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Name !! Address !! Established !! Community !! Neighborhood !! Notes |- | '''Avondale''' (Regional) || 509 40th St. S || 1908 || Red Mountain || Forest Park-South Avondale || Became BPL Branch in 1913 |- | '''Central''' || 2100 Park Pl || 1886 || Northside || Central City || Main Branch, Includes '''Linn-Henley Research Library''' |- | '''East Ensley''' || 900 14th St., Ensley || 1965 || Ensley || Ensley || |- | '''East Lake''' || 5 Oporto-Madrid Blvd. S || 1914 || Roebuck-South East Lake || South East Lake || |- | '''Ensley''' || 1201 25th St., Ensley || 1906 || Ensley || Ensley || Became BPL Branch in 1911 Current building opened in 1955 Closed indefinitely as of Sept 2023<ref>{{Cite web |title=Birmingham Public Library |url=http://www.bham.lib.al.us/locations/ |access-date=2023-09-26 |website=www.bham.lib.al.us}}</ref> |- | '''Five Points West''' (Regional) || 4812 Avenue W || mid-1930s || Five Points West || Central Park || |- | '''Inglenook''' || 4100 40th Terrace N || 1979 || East Birmingham || Inglenook || |- | '''North Avondale''' || 501 43rd St. N || 1961 || East Birmingham || North Avondale || |- | '''North Birmingham''' (Regional) || 2501 31st Ave. N || 1926 || North Birmingham || North Birmingham || Current building opened in 1994 |- | '''Powderly''' || 3301 Jefferson Ave. SW || 1979 || Southwest || Jones Valley || |- | '''Pratt City''' || 509 Dugan Ave. || 1921 || Pratt City || North Pratt || Current building opened in 2014 after 2011 tornado destroyed previous building |- | '''Smithfield''' || 1 8th Ave. W || 1918 || Smithfield || Graymont || |- | '''Southside''' || 1814 11th Ave. S || 1945 || Southside || Five Points South || Current building opened in 1996 |- | '''Springville Road''' (Regional) || 1224 Old Springville Rd. || 1981 || Huffman || Spring Lake || Replaced Huffman Branch Library est. 1963 |- | '''Titusville''' || 2 6th Ave. SW || 1957 || Titusville || North Titusville || Current building opened in 1992 |- | '''West End''' || 1348 Tuscaloosa Ave. SW || || West End || Arlington-West End || |- | '''Woodlawn''' || 5709 1st Ave. N || 1905 || Woodlawn || Woodlawn || Became BPL branch in 1911 |- | '''Wylam''' || 4300 7th Ave. || 1921 || Ensley || Wylam || Current building opened in 2021 |- |}
===Former branches===
{| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Name !! Address !! Established !! Closed !! Community !! Neighborhood !! Notes |- | '''Eastwood''' || 4500 Montevallo Rd. || 1982 || 2020<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.birminghamtimes.com/2020/09/gut-wrenching-furloughs-wipe-out-75-of-birmingham-library-workers/ |title='Gut-wrenching' furloughs wipe out 75% of Birmingham Library workers |last=Wright |first=Barnett |date=21 September 2020 |website=Birmingham Times |access-date=August 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126125715/http://www.birminghamtimes.com/2020/09/gut-wrenching-furloughs-wipe-out-75-of-birmingham-library-workers/ |archive-date=January 26, 2021}}</ref> || Crestline || Eastwood || Housed in Eastwood Mall until 2005 |- | '''Slossfield''' || 1916 25th Ct. N || 1939 || 2010<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.al.com/spotnews/2010/06/three_birmingham_library_branc.html |title=Three Birmingham library branches to close by end of July |last=Wolfson |first=Hannah |date=18 June 2010 |website=AL.com |access-date=August 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727050914/https://www.al.com/spotnews/2010/06/three_birmingham_library_branc.html |archive-date=July 27, 2021}}</ref> || North Birmingham || ACIPCO-Finley || |- |}
== References == {{reflist}}
== External links == * [http://www.bplonline.org Official website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120708022702/http://www.bplonline.org/ |date=2012-07-08 }} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20070607173038/http://www.alabamabound.org/ Alabama Bound]
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Category:Education in Jefferson County, Alabama Category:Public libraries in Alabama Category:Education in Birmingham, Alabama Category:Buildings and structures in Birmingham, Alabama