About the Library

Mission Statement

The mission of the Birmingham Public Library is to provide the highest quality experience to our community for lifelong learning, cultural enrichment and enjoyment.

Mission, Vision, and Values

General Library Information

• Contact Information
• Employment Opportunities
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Holiday Closures
• Hours and Locations
• Library Cards

Library Facilities

• 18 separate locations (1 temporarily closed for facility issues)
• 684 hours per week physical doors are open for business
• 24/7 virtual doors are always open
• 365,600 total square feet
• Public spaces for meetings and exhibits
• Systemwide service from all outlets

Library Holdings

• 900,000 cataloged items
• Over 1 million pieces of microfilm
• Over 30,000,000 archival documents (14,000 linear feet)
• 400,000 photographs
• Primary materials dating to the 1700s
• More than 100 online databases
• Only public library in the state that is a Patent and Trademark Library
• One of the oldest Federal Depository Libraries, designated in 1895

History & Culture

• History of the Birmingham Public Library

Administration

• Administration
• Library Board
• Library Board Meeting Schedule
• Library Board Minutes
• Library Board By-Laws

Library Rules & Policies

• Birmingham Public Library Rules
• Library Policy in Compliance with APLS Code
• Bag Check and Limitation Policy
• Collection Management Policy -- Executive Summary
• Filming and Photography Policy
• Food Policy
• Gallery Exhibition Policy
• Internet Access Policy
• Unattended Children Policy
• Use of the Children's Departments(s) Policy

Press & Marketing

• BPL News Email List: Signup

Support the Library

• Donate Money: Contribute
  • The Birmingham Public Library needs your support. The library is an essential part of Birmingham's life. Your gift helps keep the vital services the library delivers FREE for all of Birmingham.
• Join The Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library
  • The Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library make it possible for the Library to improve the quality and scope of their services. The Friends are a structured nonprofit association of individuals providing for various special needs of the Birmingham Public Library through community-based efforts. They attend to the Library's needs, generate new ideas, offer advice and encouragement, volunteer their time and energy, and secure financial support.

Author and Website Requests

• Marketing Your Book to the Library: helpful guidelines for local Authors and Small Presses