By Roy L. Williams
Birmingham Public Library
If you’re looking for fun, free things to do with your kids while off on Spring Break this week, several Birmingham Public Library locations have activities to keep students occupied. Programs include:
– Springville Road Regional Library’s Spy Camp, Grub Down, and Karate class
Smithfield Branch Library’s Superhero Movie Marathon Monday through Friday
– West End Library’s It’s Storytime @ Your Library
-Inglenook Library’s Super Nintendo Party, North Avondale Library’s showing of the movie “Moana” on Monday, Wacky Art Wednesday and Throwback Thursday board games
– Avondale Regional Library’s Tot Time with Mrs. Eve: Move to the Groove
– several “From Page to Stage: James and the Giant Peach – A Readers’ Theater Workshop for Children” taking place at several libraries which began Sat. March 25.
You can also find other BPL programs for adults at www.bplonline.org/calendar.
All 19 BPL locations: 2-17 Spring Reading Challenge
This BPL program is designed to encourage parents of Birmingham city school children on Spring Break to not leave out one of the most important educational activities: Reading. The Spring Reading Challenge for children/teens in grades K-12 runs through April 5. Visit any Birmingham Public Library location to check out books, or download them from Overdrive and Hoopla. All participants who read at least one book are entered into a drawing for a prize gift pack, but read more books for a better chance of winning. Prizes will be awarded at each of Birmingham Public Library’s 19 locations. Read more about the reading challenge here.
Avondale Regional Library, 509 40th Street South
Sun., March 26, 2:30 p.m. “From Page to Stage: James and the Giant Peach – A Readers’ Theater Workshop for Children”
The Birmingham Public Library (BPL), in partnership with the Birmingham Children’s Theatre (BCT) and Junior League of Birmingham (JLB), would like to invite you to attend From Page to Stage: James and the Giant Peach – A Readers’ Theater Workshop for Children.
In anticipation of the upcoming BCT performance of James and the Giant Peach, BPL is partnering with Birmingham Children’s Theatre (BCT) and Junior League of Birmingham (JLB) to host free workshops at several of its area libraries. Children, age 5 to 12, will learn how stories come alive through the magic of theater. JLB members will coach the children and introduce them to similar literature located in their local library. Each child will receive two free tickets (one child and one adult ticket) to the BCT James and the Giant Peach production in April 2017. Workshop space is limited, so contact your participating library location to register a child for the workshop.
Mon., March 27, 9:30 a.m. & 11 a.m. Tot Time with Mrs. Eve: Move to the Groove
Get ready to shake your sillies out during this action packed Tot Time! Tot Time is geared for 2 to 4 year olds with an individual caregiver. No groups please. 24-hour advance registration required. Register online, e-mail avyouth@bham.lib.al.us, or call 205-226-4003.
Time For Tales, 9:30 a.m., Thursday, March 30. Calling all preschoolers… Join us for a morning filled with stories, songs, and lots of fun for everyone!
Five Points West Regional Library, 4812 Avenue W
Sun., March 26, 2:30 p.m. “From Page to Stage: James and the Giant Peach – A Readers’ Theater Workshop for Children”
The Birmingham Public Library (BPL), in partnership with the Birmingham Children’s Theatre (BCT) and Junior League of Birmingham (JLB), would like to invite you to attend From Page to Stage: James and the Giant Peach – A Readers’ Theater Workshop for Children.
In anticipation of the upcoming BCT performance of James and the Giant Peach, BPL is partnering with Birmingham Children’s Theatre (BCT) and Junior League of Birmingham (JLB) to host free workshops at several of its area libraries. Children, age 5 to 12, will learn how stories come alive through the magic of theater. JLB members will coach the children and introduce them to similar literature located in their local library. Each child will receive two free tickets (one child and one adult ticket) to the BCT James and the Giant Peach production in April 2017. Workshop space is limited, so contact your participating library location to register a child for the workshop.
Tues., March 28 at 10 a.m. 1-2-3 Play With Me. Playing with your baby is not only important for bonding, but is also an educational experience for your child. We are providing a special time and place for you to come to the public library and spend one-on-one time playing with your child. This five-week program involves children birth through age 3 and their parents or caregivers. The library will have age appropriate toys, books, and art activities just for you and your child. Also, we have invited special guests from the community to join us each week to answer your questions about parenting.
Inglenook Branch Library, 4100 40th Terrace North
Mon., March 27, 3 p.m.
Creature Feature. Angela Brooks of Springville Road Regional Library will bring a bearded dragon for the kids to see up close.
Around the World – Dewey Scavenger Hunt, 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29
Test your knowledge of the Dewey Decimal system through a game of Around the World! Leading up to the game, a scavenger hunt will be provided to find books in categories within the Dewey Decimal System. Winners will receive prizes!
PRIME TIME Family Reading Time, 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 30, 2017
PRIME TIME Family Reading Time is a special six-week program consisting of storytelling, reading, and discussion for parents and children ages 6 to 10. PRIME TIME not only helps improve reading skills, but also helps families learn how to talk about books in ways that will help children in school and even life. Free but advanced registration requested. Register online or call 205-849-8739.
Family movie, 3 p.m., Fri., March 31. Come enjoy a free movie the entire family can enjoy. Snacks will be provided.
North Avondale Library, 501 43rd St. North
Movie Mon. “Moana” at 2 p.m. on Mon., March 27. The popular Disney film “Moana” features the adventurous teenager Moana who sails across the ocean on a quest and discovers her own identity. Enjoy an exciting family movie with free popcorn & drinks.
Treasure Hunt Tues., 2 p.m. on Tues., March 28. Children will hunt for hidden treasures in the library to win prizes. To win, participates will use library resources to answer trivia questions and connect clues.
Wacky Art Wednesday 2 p.m. Wed., March 29. Children will use repurposed items, masking tape, duct tape, paint, and other items to create an art piece to take home. Register online or call 205-592-2082
Throwback Thursday Board Games, 2 p.m. Thurs., March 30. Let the games begin! Join us for an afternoon of classic board game fun.
North Birmingham Library, 2501 31st Ave. North
1-2-3 Play With Me. Wed., March 29, 10 a.m. Playing with your baby is not only important for bonding, but is also an educational experience for your child. We are providing a special time and place for you to come to the public library and spend one-on-one time playing with your child. This five-week program involves children birth through age 3 and their parents or caregivers. The library will have age appropriate toys, books, and art activities just for you and your child. Also, we have invited special guests from the community to join us each week to answer your questions about parenting.
Smithfield Branch Library, #1 8th Ave. West
Superhero Movie Marathon, 3:30 p.m. each day, Mon.-Fri., March 27-31
We will be showing a super hero movie every afternoon during Spring Break! Showtime starts at 3:30 p.m. We will also have a special display of comics featuring some of your favorite characters. Bring a friend and try something new!
Southside Library, 1814 11th Ave. South
“From Page to Stage: James and the Giant Peach – A Readers’ Theater Workshop for Children” – 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 1
Springville Road Regional Library, 1224 Old Springville Road
Spy Camp, 4 p.m. on Mon. and Tues., March 27-28; Thurs.-Fri., March 30-31
-Do you have what it takes to become a spy? We will crack codes, test your stealthy skills, and use those skills to solve mysteries along the way. Camp is for ages 7-12. Free but register in advance. Register online at www.bplonline.org or call 205-226-4085.
It’s Storytime @ Your Library, 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 29
Visit the library for stories, songs, and fun! We’ll feature some of our favorite stories every week.
Karate Introduction for Kids, 4 p.m. on Wed., March 29
The Birmingham School of Martial Arts will visit the library to teach kids about the basics of karate! This is a great opportunity to learn more about the skill and benefits involved in this action-packed discipline.
Chess Club. 10 a.m., Thurs., March 30. Learn to play the strategic game of chess, or play with others to strengthen your game. Mixed ages, adults and youth.
West End Library, 1340 Tuscaloosa Ave. SW.
It’s Storytime @ Your Library Mon., March 27, 10-11 a.m.
Bring your child or group and enjoy wonderful songs, hands on activities, and short stories. Craft time is held every other Monday. This is a wonderful way to introduce children to the library.
Basic Crochet, 10 a.m. on Tues., March 28
Whether you are just learning how to crochet or need a refresher course, join in and learn all the basic techniques of crochet and have fun while you learn. Geared towards adults but teens are welcome. Call 205-226-4089.
Youth Chess Class, 10 a.m. on Thurs., March 30. Kids and teens of all ages, chess is a fun game of strategy. Learn how to play chess. For more information, call 205-226-4089.
“From Page to Stage: James and the Giant Peach – A Readers’ Theater Workshop for Children” – 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 1.
Wylam Branch Library, 4300 7th Ave. Wylam
It’s Storytime @ Your Library Fontaine Alison entertains Wylam youngsters with lively storytelling. For more information, call Connie Tolbert at 205-785-0349.
