Birmingham Public Library, Birmingham

The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) is a cornerstone of cultural and educational life in Birmingham, and one of the largest public library systems in the southeastern United States. With 19 branches spread throughout the city and a substantial Central Library in downtown Birmingham, BPL serves as a vital hub for information, learning, and local history.

Founded in 1886 in a small schoolroom by Superintendent John H. Phillips, the Birmingham Public Library began as part of the city’s school system. By 1913, it gained public funding, and in 1918, the Booker T. Washington branch opened for African-American residents, led by Alabama’s first Black librarian, Mattie Herd Roland.

A fire in 1925 destroyed the library’s holdings at City Hall, but the loss was soon answered with the construction of a Neo-classical limestone building in 1927, which served as the central library for decades. Following desegregation in 1963-prompted by civil rights litigation-BPL grew both in collection and inclusivity.

To meet growing demand, a modern East Building was added in 1984, creating a two-building campus. The original 1927 structure was renovated and renamed the Linn-Henley Research Library in 1985, now home to special collections such as the Tutwiler Collection of Southern History and Literature, the Rucker Agee Map Collection, and a Rare Book Collection focusing on early Americana.

BPL is known for its rich historical archives, which include resources on Southern culture, Caribbean literature, and regional newspaper clippings. In 2006, the Digital Collections project began, digitizing Birmingham’s local history to make it more accessible online.

Each year, the library hosts Alabama Bound, a well-known book and author fair that highlights the work of Alabama-based writers and publishers. Visitors can attend readings, discussions, and book signings, making it a significant cultural event in the city.

Today, the Birmingham Public Library remains a resilient and evolving institution-committed to preserving Southern heritage, embracing new technologies, and serving as a community anchor for readers, researchers, and learners of all ages.