summer activity — Don’t miss Mt Laurel Library’s Spring book sale April 13. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Did you know that the second week in April is National Library Week? Founded nearly 70 years ago, this week of observance is meant to highlight the value of libraries, promote literacy and encourage people to take advantage of their local libraries’ resources.

Keep reading for a guide to the best library events around Birmingham this week.

Celebrate 2024 National Library Week

1. The Self-Care MasterMind Series: How to Advocate for your Health

As the next installment of the Birmingham Public Library’s 10-class series, instructor C.J. Wade will be hosting a session discussing how self-care is key to a healthy lifestyle. Wade, a certified health coach, believes that advocating for your health by asking the right questions could save your life.

“When we value ourselves, we will treat our recalibration. I believe that wholeheartedly. One challenge in that reaching that truth can be applying self-care in medical settings. Advocating for yourself can be difficult if you’re accustomed to substandard treatment or abuse. You want to voice your needs, but you feel they don’t matter. That’s where the lie lives. You do matter and whatever impedes upon your health is worth addressing and recalibrating with a medical professional.”
C.J. Wade, instructor of The Self-Care MasterMind Series at Birmingham Public Library in a recent press release

When: April 8, 5:30-6:30PM
Where: 2100 Park Pl, Birmingham, AL 35203 (1st Floor Grand Commons)

Can’t make this month’s session? There are two more sessions remaining:

May 13—Party of One: How to Date Yourself
June 17—Journaling for Life

2. A Novel Tasting at Birmingham Public Library

Thursday, April 11, Birmingham Public Library will be hosting its annual Spring benefit. All proceeds will benefit Birmingham Public Library.

This year’s event will include:

Live music from Sol Música
Catered food
Silent auction
Tasting of fine wines, craft beers + local spirits

Purchase tickets.

When: April 11, 6-8PM
Where: 2100 Park Pl, Birmingham, AL 35203

3. Library Spirit Week at North Shelby Library

This National Library Week, show off your spirit at North Shelby Library with a themed outfit. Participate in daily dress-up themes for a chance to win a mystery prize basket.

Monday—Favorite sports team
Tuesday—Wacky socks
Wednesday—Favorite book character
Thursday—Patriotic
Friday—Green for North Shelby Library

When: April 8-12
Where: 5521 Cahaba Valley Rd, Birmingham, AL 35242

4. Spring Festival Book Sale at Mt Laurel Library

This Saturday. April 13, is the annual Mt Laurel Spring Festival. Alongside shopping artisan and farmer booths, tasty eats and live music, make sure to stop by the library for a book sale benefitting Mt Laurel Library programs.

There will be book bargains for all ages and a Spring craft for kids.