13 FREE library events happening around Birmingham this summer

Summer programming is in full swing across the Birmingham metro area, offering a diverse lineup of activities for all ages.

Whether you want to leave your mark on a local mural, master the art of fly fishing or find the perfect afternoon activity to keep the kids entertained, there is plenty to explore right in your backyard.

Check out our guide below to find out what is happening at a library near you.

Keep an eye out for a star ⭐ to spot the events perfect for kids!

Ongoing projects + campaigns

Until June 21: Nominate book titles for the Homewood Public Library mural

The Homewood Public Library has plans to install a large-scale mural on the south-facing exterior wall overlooking the parking lot. Designed and painted by local artist Shawn Fitzwater, the artwork will feature beloved book titles chosen entirely by the public to celebrate reading, literature and the Homewood community.

From now until Sunday, June 21, community members can submit nominations for the specific book titles they want to see featured on the wall.

To submit your favorite book titles for the mural, visit homewoodpubliclibrary.org/mural before Sunday, June 21.

Until June 30: Submissions for the Homewood Community Art Show

Attention local creatives! Homewood Public Library is opening up the Ellenburg Art Gallery to community artists this summer. Throughout the month of June, creators of any medium — including paintings, 3D art, and fiber crafts — can drop off their PG-13 pieces at the Adult/Teen desk to be featured in a special exhibition this July.

Ready to see your work on display? You can download the required application form directly from the library’s website and bring it in with your masterpiece before the end of the month.

Until July 22: Irondale’s all-ages summer reading challenge

Irondale Public Library is hosting its free summer reading challenge through July, and it is open to all ages. Whether you’re reading picture books with your toddler, listening to audiobooks on your commute or finally tackling that novel you’ve been meaning to finish, every day you read counts in this year’s summer reading challenge.

Participants can track their reading progress to earn weekly incentives and enter major raffles for local prize packages. Registration is open online and at the library for children, teens, and adults looking to join the summer fun.

Regular events

⭐ Every Monday: Dinosaur Remix Storytime

Hoover Public Library is giving classic stories a prehistoric upgrade this summer with Dinosaur Remix Storytime.

Designed for kids under 5, this interactive series gives favorite tales a fun, dinosaur-sized twist to keep little ones entertained all summer long.

• 📆 Every Monday
• ⏰ 9:30-10AM + 10:30-11AM
• 📍Hoover Public Library, Youth Program Room (200 Municipal Dr, Hoover)
• More info

Every Tuesday: Community Connection

Every Tuesday, the Birmingham Public Library’s Central Branch hosts Community Connection, bringing local nonprofit representatives directly to you. Stop by to get free, personalized guidance on affordable healthcare, housing, job opportunities and wellness resources right in the heart of town.

• 📆 Every Tuesday
• ⏰ 9AM-noon
• 📍Central Library, first and third floors (2100 Park Place, Birmingham)
• More info

⭐ Every Wednesday: Silly Goose Storytime

Every Wednesday at 10:30AM, North Shelby Library hosts Silly Goose Storytime with Ms. Lauren, bringing high-energy stories, music and laughs to preschoolers ages 3–5. Siblings are always welcome to join the fun!

• 📆 Every Wednesday
• ⏰ 10:30-11AM
• 📍Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest, Children’s Program Room (1221 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills)
• More info
  

Every Thursday: Mah Jongg Open Play

Looking to test your tile skills? Gardendale Public Library invites experienced players to a morning of Mah Jongg. Bring your National Mah Jongg League card and your knowledge of the basic rules. Beginner cards are available if you need a quick refresher.

• 📆 Every Thursday
• ⏰ 10AM-noon
• 📍 Gardendale Public Library (995 Rocket Way, Gardendale)
• More info

Every 3rd Thursday: NSL Reads

Looking for a new book club that goes beyond the typical reading list? The North Shelby Library’s monthly adult book club dives into titles packed with varied subjects and plenty of emotional depth, all specifically chosen to spark lively community conversation.

• 📆 Every 3rd Thursday
• ⏰ 10:30AM-noon
• 📍 North Shelby Library, Annex Classroom (5521 Cahaba Valley Rd, Birmingham)
• Zoom option available. Sign up via the Events Calendar to receive a link.
• More info

⭐ Every Friday: Open Gaming for Teens

Teens in grades 6–12 can head to the Vestavia library for an afternoon of gaming, friendly competition and snacks. Grab your friends to hang out, play classic board games and test out the latest console releases with fellow local gamers.

• 📆 Every Friday
• ⏰ 4-5:30PM
• 📍 Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest, Community Room (1221 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills)
• More info
  

Dated events

⭐ Wednesday, June 17: A Magical Start to Summer Reading

Birmingham Public Library’s East Lake Branch is kicking off the summer with a dose of wonder. Bring the whole family out to see world-renowned magician Brian Reaves perform a live, high-energy magic act that is sure to leave everyone amazed.

• 📆 Wednesday, June 17
• ⏰ 10-11AM
• 📍 East Lake Branch Library (5 Oporto Madrid Blvd, Birmingham)
• More info

Wednesday, June 17: An Evening with Homewood Authors

Celebrate Homewood’s Centennial at the library with a special evening spotlighting the talented local authors who help shape the community. Stop by to meet the writers, hear the stories behind their books and enjoy light appetizers with fellow book lovers.

• 📆 Wednesday, June 17
• ⏰ 6:30-8PM
• 📍 Homewood Public Library, Large Auditorium (1721 Oxmoor Rd, Birmingham)
• More info

Monday, June 22 + Monday, June 29: Fly Fishing with Andre’ Davis

Ready to perfect your cast this summer? Avid outdoorsman and expert fly fisher Andre’ Davis is hosting a free series for adults at the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest.

Catch the fly-tying session June 22, followed by a hands-on casting clinic June 29. No registration is required — just show up ready to learn.

• 📆 Monday, June 22 + Monday, June 29
• ⏰ 6-7PM
• 📍 Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest, Community Room (1221 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills)
• More info

⭐ Wednesday, June 24: Biodiversity Through Time by Jefferson County Greenways

Experts from Jefferson County Greenways are hosting a fascinating look into our local environment, mapping out the region’s ancient geological epochs and major ecosystem shifts over time.

You will get an inside look at the unique plants and animals that once ruled the area, plus practical tips on how to spot ancient fossils and historical clues next time you hike through Ruffner Mountain.

• 📆 Wednesday, June 24
• ⏰ 11:30AM-12:30PM
• 📍 Irondale Public Library (1032 Grants Mill Rd, Irondale)
• More info
  

⭐ Tuesday, June 30: American Girls Birthday Bash

Hoover Public Library is throwing an American Girls Birthday Bash this summer. Kids can dive into American history through fun, interactive games and hands-on activities inspired by everyone’s favorite historical dolls.

• 📆 Tuesday, June 30
• ⏰ 2-3:30PM
• 📍 Hoover Public Library, Children’s Department (200 Municipal Dr, Hoover)
• More info

Friday, July 24: Monty Python and the Holy Grail screening

Bring your finest British accent and prepare to debate the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow. Hoover Public Library is hosting an interactive screening of “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” complete with movie trivia, full-audience quoting and a limited supply of interactive prop bags.

• 📆 Friday, July 24
• ⏰ 7-9PM
• 📍 Hoover Public Library, The Library Theatre (200 Municipal Dr, Hoover)
• More info