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

• Contact Information
• Employment Opportunities
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Holiday Closures
• Hours and Locations
• Library Cards
• Meeting Rooms
• Strategic Plan 2017-2021
• Strategic Plan 2021-2024

• 18 separate locations
• 870 hours per week open for business
• 368,000 total square feet
• Public spaces for meetings and exhibits
• Systemwide service from all outlets

• 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 of the Birmingham Public Library
• Murals

• Administration
• Library Board
• Library Board Meeting Schedule
• Library Board By-Laws
• Library Board Minutes
• Library Organization (pdf)

• Annual Report 2021 (pdf)
• Annual Report 2020 (pdf)
• Annual Report 2019 (pdf)
• Annual Report 2018 (pdf)
• Annual Report 2017 (pdf)
• Annual Report 2015 (pdf)
• Annual Report 2014 (pdf)
• Annual Report 2013 (pdf)
• Annual Report 2012 Brochure (pdf)
• Annual Report 2011 Brochure (pdf)
• Annual Report 2010 Brochure (pdf)
• Annual Report 2008-2009
    Statistics 2008-2009
• Annual Report 2007
• Annual Report 2007 Brochure (pdf)
• Annual Report 2006
• Annual Report 2006 Brochure (pdf)
• Annual Report 2005 (pdf)

• Birmingham Public Library Rules
• Bag Check and Limitation Policy
• Collection Management Policy -- Executive Summary
• Food Policy
• Gallery Exhibition Policy
• Guidelines on Web Accessibility
• Internet Access Policy
• Policies for Operating In-Person Services at Central Library during COVID-19
• Unattended Children Policy
• Use of the Children's Departments(s) Policy

• News Releases
• Newsletter: Signup

• 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.
• Donate Time: Volunteer
  • Volunteers are an essential part of the daily operations at the Birmingham Public Library (BPL). BPL adult and teen volunteers assist with a number of functions throughout the system, most of which are outlined in the Volunteer Handbook. Through the Volunteer Program, BPL strives to meet two goals: identify system-wide opportunities for volunteers to contribute in an ongoing capacity, and to provide volunteers a meaningful and rewarding volunteer experience.
• 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.
• Join the Young Professionals of Birmingham Public Library
  • Why join the Young Professionals of the Birmingham Public Library? BPL's Young Professionals are concerned with the literary culture of the Birmingham region and are committed to making the library the center of lifelong learning for the city. The Young Professionals will provide opportunities for socializing with like-minded people, plan and enjoy literary-based events and intellectually stimulating programming, and exercise leadership and volunteer skills to benefit the Library through regular social events and an annual signature fundraising event.

• Marketing Your Book to the Library Helpful Guidelines for Local Authors and Small Presses
• Request to Add a Website