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 9, 2026:
Birmingham Public Library
Description: “Unearth a Story” with the Birmingham Public Library as they begin summer reading adventures with a day filled with food, games, crafts, prizes, and more!
Location: 4101 5th Ave S, Birmingham
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Wednesday, May 13, 2026:
Mt. Laurel Public Library
Description: Celebrate Dinosaur Day at our Summer Reading Sneak Peek! Enjoy crafts, cupcakes, and pick up your summer reading calendar while exploring this year’s theme, Unearth a Story. A dyno-mite way to get excited about summer reading!
Location: 111 Olmstead St, Birmingham
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 16, 2026:
Vestavia Hills Public Library
Description: Do not miss this Dino-themed celebration of reading. Your kids will love dino dancing, dino races, dino digs, Hoops for Fitness, and The Mighty Jarkobian & His Conglomerate of Sound. Don’t leave before tasting the donuts and Kona Ice.
Location: Wald Park- 1973 Merryvale Road, Vestavia Hills
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Homewood Public Library
Description: Hosted by Father Goose himself, Homewood is kicking off their summer of reading with the Father Goose Poetry Festival for Kids. Partnering with the Alabama Writers’ Forum, they will award poetry winners in three categories and read their poems aloud. There will also be refreshments, book sales, music, and fun activities.
Location: 1721 Oxmoor Road, Homewood
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 17, 2026:
Mountain Brook – O’Neal Library
Description:The O’Neal Library Summer Reading Carnival Kick-Off and Thomas Hughes Brinkley Memorial Fun Run are coming together in one event. Families are invited to walk, run, bike, scoot, skate, or stroll a one-mile course. Immediately after, the carnival starts and features train rides, face painting, game booths, a rock-climbing wall, and a bouncy house. A visit from the Mountain Brook Fire Department will cool everyone off and conclude the party. Tickets are $25 and include a T-shirt and wristband to participate in carnival activities. You can buy tickets online here, at the O’Neal Library Children’s Desk, or in person at the event.
Location: Crestline Fields- 3785 Jackson Boulevard, Mountain Brook
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday, May 22, 2026:
Hoover Public Library
Description: Join the Hoover Public Library to celebrate summer reading with crafts, activities, and treats for the whole family.
Location: 200 Municipal Drive, Hoover
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Friday, May 29, 2026:
Irondale Public Library
Description: Enjoy the DART Family Farm Animal Crew for our 2026 Summer Reading Kick-Off at Beacon Park! Hop, cluck and jump around with the friendly farm animals and eat yummy ice cream!
Location: 5309 Beacon Dr., Irondale
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Center Point Public Library
Description:Join us for fun, games, bubbles, and swag as we kick off our Summer Reading celebration! We will also have special guests from the Center Point Fire Department bringing inflatables to bounce on. Be sure to wear clothes you don’t mind getting foamy!
Location: 533 Sunhill Road, Center Point
Time: 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Trussville Public Library
Description: We are kicking off the Summer Reading Program with activities and treats for all ages! Information about the Summer Reading Challenge and upcoming summer events available for pick up. Food trucks will be available for food purchases during the event
Location: 201 Parkway Dr., Trussville
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Was your local library’s Summer Reading Kick-Off event on our list?
Let us know if we missed any and we’ll be sure to add it!
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Bessemer Public Library has their Summer Reading kickoff on June 1st.