What do vintage dresses, octopuses + viral videos have in common?

Think your local library is just for checking out books? Think again. As someone who is always mid-chapter with a TBR stack that never shrinks, I love any excuse to chat about libraries and the magic of the written word. And Birmingham-area libraries are giving us plenty to talk about.

From a fashion-inspired art exhibit at Birmingham Public Library to a bestselling author visit in Homewood and viral videos from Hoover Public Library, our local libraries are proving they’re so much more than shelves of books.

Read on to discover three cool things happening at libraries across the Greater Birmingham Area you need to know about now.

1. Explore the Embodied: Contemporary Takes on the Dress exhibit at Birmingham Public Library–Central Branch

The Embodied: Contemporary Takes on the Dress exhibit at Birmingham Public Library–Central Branch is an inspiring, must-see. (Bham Now)

If you need a reminder that libraries are a cultural hub, head to the Fourth Floor Gallery at Birmingham Public Library’s Central Branch.

Running through September 26, Embodied: Contemporary Takes on the Dress features 12 one-of-a-kind dresses created by 12 Alabama artists. Each piece uses fashion as a storytelling tool, exploring topics like culture, society and the environment.

Installations at the Embodied: Contemporary Takes on the Dress exhibit at Birmingham Public Library–Central Branch. (Bham Now)

Each dress in the exhibit showcases unique materials, styles and perspectives from featured artists including:

• Amanda Banks
• Merrilee Challis
• Kimberly Hart
• Lillis Taylor
• + more!

Visit the Birmingham Public Library–Central Branch

• Where: 2100 Park Pl, Birmingham, AL 35203
• When: The Embodied: Contemporary Takes on the Dress exhibit runs Now–Sat, Sept 26
• Hours:
  • Tues: 9AM–8PM
  • Mon, Wed–Sat: 9AM–6PM
  • Sun: Closed
• Cost: Free
• Website | Facebook | Instagram

2. Homewood Public Library welcomes bestselling author Shelby Van Pelt, Sept. 24, 2026

If you’ve heard someone mention “that octopus book,” chances are they’re talking about “Remarkably Bright Creatures.”

I have a soft spot for octopuses (or is it octopi?), and I’ve watched enough documentaries to be completely fascinated by just how intelligent these creatures are, so this book quickly grabbed my attention.

Here’s a deeper dive: “Remarkably Bright Creatures” follows Tova Sullivan, a widow who works at an aquarium and forms an unexpected friendship with Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus.

The coolest part? Author Shelby Van Pelt, the brilliant mind behind the bestselling novel, is coming to Homewood Public Library this fall to discuss the story behind the book and stick around for a signing.

While the event sold out faster than we could finish the first page, this says a lot about how much readers love this book.

Visit the Homewood Public Library

• Where: 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Birmingham, AL 35209
• Hours:
  • Mon, Tues, Thurs: 9AM–9PM
  • Wed, Friday, Sat: 9AM–6PM
  • Sun: 2PM–6 PM
• Website | Facebook | Instagram

3. Hoover Public Library is going viral—for all the right reasons

Libraries and lip-sync videos? Turns out they make the perfect pair.

Hoover Public Library has been racking up thousands of views with clever Instagram Reels featuring staff members lip-synching to popular songs while showing books with titles that match the lyrics.

The videos have become a favorite corner of the internet thanks to their creativity, humor and wholesome energy. In fact, they’ve been so popular that Hoover Public Library even caught the attention of Good Morning America, which featured the library’s viral content during a segment highlighting the trend.

View this post on Instagram

Librarians may be known for keeping things quiet, but these videos prove they’re also some of the cleverest and funniest people on your feed.

Take my advice: Get to know your local library staff.

Visit the Hoover Public Library

• Where: 200 Municipal Dr, Hoover, AL 35216
• Hours:
  • Mon–Thurs: 9AM–9PM
  • Fri: 9AM–6PM
  • Sat: 10AM–6PM
  • Sun: 1PM–5PM
• Website | Facebook | Instagram

Whether you’re browsing an art exhibit, meeting a bestselling author or laughing through library videos online, Birmingham-area libraries continue to prove they’re so much more than shelves of books.