It’s almost summertime! That means it’s time to get excited about all the fun things: day camps, splash pads, family vacations, and all the summer reading programs in Birmingham!
I know that last one may seem out of place, but hear me out. Our local libraries put a lot of work into their summer reading programs, and they are always GREAT. Usually in May or June when you sign up for summer reading, you can get a small goody bag for each of your kids, and at the end of the summer or even throughout the season, there will be prizes for each child who participated.
There are so many extra library programs during summertime, and some of the branches even go all out with decorating their children’s departments! So, add library visits to your Summer Bucket List, and see how many local libraries you can visit. You can attend these events even without a library card, so feel free to check out an event in a neighboring county. They’d love to see you there, and their funding is tied to patron usage. Just attending an event counts as a use! Free programs for your child and more money to help out local communities? That’s definitely a win-win!!
If you have a little one that isn’t quite school-age, there is plenty for you, too! The 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program is available at most (maybe all) of our local Jefferson County and Shelby County branches, so be sure to take advantage of those resources to help with school readiness and lifelong literacy skills.
Looking for more ways to utilize your local library? Many branches also host weekly story times! Check out our roundup of library story times for fun, free, educational activities for you and your kiddos for nearly every day of the week.
Find a Kick-Off Event
Summer Reading Kick-Off Events
Saturday, May 13, 2023:
Birmingham Public Library
Summer Reading Kick-Off
Description: Join us for our annual Summer Reading Kick-Off this year at Avondale Park. There will be crafts, face painting, a book walk, snow cones, and prizes!
Location: 4101 5th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Back to top
Saturday, May 13, 2023:
Leeds Jane Culbreth Library
End of School Celebration and Summer Reading Launch
Description:Come explore a 50 foot inflatable circus train! Get a free scoop of ice cream, turn your mouth blue with a treat from KONA ICE, visit Kennedy’s Farmers Market, get a special Balloon Animal from an Artist, get lunch from the Frozen Rooster, explore a Fire Truck, Police Car, Post Office Truck and lots more!
Location: 8104 Parkway Drive, Leeds, AL 35094
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Back to top
Saturday, May 20, 2023:
Vestavia Hills Public Library
All Together Now Summer Reading Kick-Off
Description: Join us at Wald Park for a fun day of food, games, and activities! Decorate your bike, trike, scooter, etc., and bring it to the park to have a parade! YOU are the star of this parade around the park and then join the Beatin’ Path Rhythm drum circle! Of course, don’t forget to sign up for Summer Reading while you’re there! Event begins at 11:00.
Location: 2521 Waldridge Road, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Back to top
Sunday, May 21, 2023:
Mountain Brook – O’Neal Library
Summer Reading Fun Run and Carnival Kick-Off
Description: The afternoon’s events begin at 3 p.m. with the Thomas Hughes Brinkley Memorial Fun Run. Children and their grownups are invited to walk, run, bike, scoot, skate and stroll the one-mile course that starts in front of the library and runs through the adjacent neighborhood. The carnival runs from 3:30-5:30 p.m. and will feature a train ride, face painting, game booths, a rock-climbing wall, and a bouncy house.
Location: 50 Oak Street, Mountain Brook, AL 35213
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Back to top
Friday, May 26, 2023:
Hoover Public Library
All Together Now Summer Reading Kick-Off
Description: Summer Reading fun throughout the library with games, crafts, snacks, music and more! Featuring mini concerts with special guest Roger Day every 30 minutes.
Location: 200 Municipal Drive, Hoover, AL 35216
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Back to top
Tuesday, May 30, 2023:
Homewood Public Library
Bubble Bash Summer Reading Kick-Off
Description: We are kicking off our Summer Reading with bubbles, music, and treats to beat the heat! Get your bathing suits ready and slather on your sunscreen for a poppin’ morning!
Location: 1721 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL 35209
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Back to top
Wednesday, May 31, 2023:
Alabaster – Albert L. Scott Library
Summer Challenge Kickoff (up to age 11)
Description: Kickoff for the kids’ (up to age 11) Summer Challenge Program featuring an appearance from Fairy and Gingy of the Red Mtn Theater & Urban Pops popsicles! The kickoff is in the Nan Abbott Room–receive tickets for entry into door prizes. Urban Pops truck will be outside for after the kickoff celebration.
Location: 100 9th Street Northwest, Alabaster, AL 35007
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Teen Summer Challenge Kickoff
Description: Teens (12-18)–celebrate the start of summer with Mr. Larry Magic, fun activities, & get started reading to earn chances to win prizes! In the Nan Abbott Room.
Location: 100 9th Street Northwest, Alabaster, AL 35007
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Back to top
Wednesday, May 31, 2023:
Columbiana Public Library
Summer Reading Kick-Off
Description: Join Columbiana Public Library for Lew-E’s Comedy Circus to kick off this year’s Summer Reading Program!
Location: 50 Lester Street, Columbiana, AL 35051
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Back to top
Thursday, June 1, 2023:
Irondale Public Library
Summer Reading Kick-Off Party
Description: Start the summer off right with our Summer Reading Kickoff Party at Beacon Park! Foam Zone’s foam cannon will fill the party with foamy fun, and the first 35 kids will enjoy free Kona Ice!
Location: 5309 Beacon Dr., Irondale, AL 35210
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Back to top
Friday, June 2, 2023:
Montevallo – Parnell Memorial Library
Summer Reading Kick-Off
Description: We’re kicking off Summer Reading Program with a fun day in the sun! Join us for bouncy houses, free snacks, games and activities, food trucks, and more!
Location: 277 Park Drive, Montevallo, AL 35115
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Back to top
Friday, June 2, 2023:
Trussville Public Library
Summer Reading Kick-Off Party
Description: Join us in the Masonic Park located behind the Trussville Public Library for activities and treats for all ages! Pick up information about this year’s summer reading challenge and upcoming events. Petting Zoo, Laser Tag, lawn games, and live music! Food trucks will be available for purchase during the event.
Location: 504 Cherokee Dr., Trussville, AL 35173
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Back to top
Saturday, June 3, 2023:
Clay Public Library
Summer Reading Kick-Off Party
Description: It’s that time again! The Summer Reading Kickoff Party starts with a spectacular magic show at 10 am, followed by a fun outdoor foam party at 12pm! *Please bring an extra change of clothes and a towel for your kids for after the foam party.
Location: 6757 Old Springville Road, Pinson, AL 35126
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Back to top
Saturday, June 3, 2023:
North Shelby Library
Summer Reading Kick-Off Hoops for Fitness
Description: Join us as we kick off our Children’s Summer Reading Program with a colorful, high energy event! Hoop for Fitness with Robbie Lewis will be presenting Guinness World Records – Hula Hooping! A presentation style program featuring 4 world records involving hula hoops. Crowd participation encouraged. Session ends with a professional hoop dance. Light snacks and Door Prizes included!
Location: 5521 Cahaba Valley Road, Birmingham, AL 35242
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Back to top
Saturday, June 3, 2023:
Center Point Public Library
Summer Reading Kick-Off!
Description: Start your family’s summer learning journey off with a bang at the Center Point Library’s Summer Reading Kick-Off! There will be a petting zoo, games, prizes, and food trucks!
Location: 533 Sunhill Road, Center Point, AL 35215
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Back to top
Saturday, June 3, 2023:
Pinson Public Library
#SquadGoals Summer Kick-Off
Description: Pinson Public Library’s Summer Reading Program is here! Celebrate the beginning of summer on Saturday, June 3rd from 1 to 3 PM. Enjoy sports-themed inflatable fun, team activities with friends, yummy concession food, & more! Commander, the mascot for Birmingham Squadron, will be available to meet & take photos from 1 to 2 PM.
Location: 4509 Pinson Blvd, Pinson, AL 35126
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Back to top
Wednesday, June 7, 2023:
Pleasant Grove Public Library
Summer Reading Kick-Off
Description: Wednesday, June 7, Pleasant Grove Public Library will host “Animal Tale” for our Summer reading “kick off.” There will be more summer reading events held each Wednesday throughout the month of June.
Location: 501 Park Road, Pleasant Grove, AL 35127
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
