Inspired by our 2022 Summer Library Celebration!

Visit the Ben May Main Library Lobby to explore the world's oceans with this visual and informative exhibit!

For more information, please email the Reference Desk at mainref@mplonline.org, or call (251) 340-1458.

Commemorating the Life of Mobile’s Renaissance Man!

In conjunction with the 'Eugene Walter: 100 years 100 days' celebration, the Semmes Regional Library invites you to this free exhibit that is available as a self-guided tour during our regular business hours. The exhibition will showcase a kaleidoscope of Eugene's work - not only his art and designs including costume sketches related to past Mardi Gras events in Mobile, but also special memorabilia from private collections and archives chronicling his achievements.

This exhibit contains selections from the larger exhibit that was first available for viewing at West Regional, and then moved to the Ben May Main Library where we introduced the incredible life size panel painting of Eugene that was created by Lucy Gafford, Executive Director of the Mobile Arts Council. If you missed getting a selfie with Eugene at the Ben May Main Library, now you have a second chance! If you need additional information, please call (251) 494-4935 or email Ms. Williams at hwilliams@mplonline.org. 

Enjoy jazz-themed paintings from local youth! 

Visit the Children's Reading Room to view this wonderful traveling exhibit brought to you by Jazz Art Writers South (JAWS), the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama, and the Mobile Arts Council. The collection includes 28 paintings from children who are members at four different Boys & Girls Club campuses in Mobile: Sonny Callahan, Gilliard Elementary, Bernard Malkove, and Kiwanis. Local artist, Soynika Edwards-Bush, shared a selection of jazz classics with the children at each campus and asked them to "close their eyes..., hear, feel, smell and see the sounds and the lyrics to the songs" for inspiration in expressing their own unique interpretations of jazz music on canvas! 

The exhibit debuted at the University of South Alabama Marx Library Art Gallery in May of this year and will be on display at Ben May Main Library for the entire month of August! For more information, please email Ms. Ponder at mponder@mplonline.org, or call 251-494-2298.

Sparking curiousity and stimulating imaginations!

Join us for a fun storytime plus additional activities like singing, dancing, and take-home crafts. This program is best suited for toddlers and young children, but all are welcome!

For more information, please email Ms. Ramjus at aramjus@mplonline.org or call (251) 494-4982.

Books, music, and grooving for your little ones!

Join us in the Meeting Room every Wednesday and Thursday morning at 10:00 a.m. for this storytime program designed for infants and children up to age three. Help stimulate their early literacy skills and enjoy meeting other parents!

For more information, please call (251) 340-8571 or email West Regional Youth Services at westyou@mplonline.org.

Join us in the Meeting Room for books, songs, sign language and for ages 3 - 5!

Early reading ignites creativity, sparks curiosity, and stimulates the imagination in young children. This program will incorporate American Sign Language and help promote your child’s passion for reading.

Fun for all ages!

Join us in the Meeting Room every other Thursday from August through October for some fun with crafts and activities!  Get creative and have fun socializing with other people that love arts and crafts!

Registration is recommended, as space is limited. To register, or for more information, please email Ms. Dupree at fdupree@mplonline.org or call (251) 494-2207. 

Join us in the Youth Room for a storytime for the whole family! 

Reading books aloud to children stimulates their imagination and expands their understanding of the world. It helps them develop language and listening skills and prepares them to understand the written word. Even after children learn to read by themselves, reading aloud to them is still important!

Light snacks will be provided. For more information, please email West Regional Youth Services at westyou@mplonline.org or call (251) 340-8571.

Beginners and experienced players welcome!

Join us in the Meeting Room for this chess club designed for children and teens ages 6 - 18. Playing chess improves concentration and problem-solving skills. No experience is necessary - just enthusiasm and good sportsmanship!

For more information, please email Ms. Lee at jlee@mplonline.org or call (251) 494-4935.

Mobile Public Library celebrates 120 years of service with this special author event!

Join us in Bernheim Hall and hear best-selling author, Carolyn Haines, discuss her literary career and inspiration. It is no wonder that she was inducted into the the Alabama Writers Hall of Fame in 2020, as she has written more than 70 books and received numerous awards including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Alabama Library Association and the Harper Lee Award for Distinguished Writing. 

After her talk, there will be a question and answer session, followed by a book signing and reception in the Armbrecht Briskman Meeting Room. Copies of her latest book releases will be available for sale at the event, brought to you by The Haunted Book Shop. For more information, please email Ms. Ponder at mponder@mplonline.org or call (251) 494-2298.

Join us in the Youth Programming Room!

Enjoy stories, crafts, and making new friends! This program is best suited for children 3 - 5 years old and their caregivers. Simple stories and music introduce the sounds and rhythms of language and play to your little learner. Crafts introduce social skills, motor skills, and problem solving skills.

For more information, please call 251-340-1507 or email the Main Youth Department at mainyou@mplonline.org.

Saturday morning fun!

Join us in the Meeting Room to wiggle, rhyme, read, and sing in this active storytime followed by a simple craft. Simple stories and music introduce the sounds and rhythms of language and play to your little learner. Crafts introduce social skills, motor skills, and problem solving skills.

This storytime is designed for children to enjoy with their families. For more information, please email Mr. Butch at ftigner@mplonline.org or call 251-494-4132.

Adults Only Workshop - Registration Required! 

Fun with Arts & Crafts!

Join us every Saturday to get creative and make a fun craft. In this week's program, participants will paint a 'pet rock' to make their very own best friend! This program is ideal for children ages 6 - 11, but all ages are welcome. Please be sure to wear clothes that are ok to get messy, as the paint pens made for use with the rocks can stain clothing. 

Supplies and space are limited, so participation is on a first come, first serve basis. For more information, please email Ms. Rich at crich@mplonline.org or call (251) 662-9676.

Beginners and experienced players welcome!

Join us in the Meeting Room every Monday to learn how to play or improve your skill at the game of chess! Playing chess improves concentration and problem-solving skills. This program is designed or for children and teens ages 12-18, but children of all ages are welcome. 

If you have questions, or need additional information, please call (251) 340-1588 or email Mr. Ori at dori@mplonline.org.

Sparking curiousity and stimulating imaginations!

Join us for a fun storytime plus additional activities like singing, dancing, and take-home crafts. This program is best suited for toddlers and young children, but all are welcome!

For more information, please email Ms. Ramjus at aramjus@mplonline.org or call (251) 494-4982.

Make learning fun!

Join us in the Youth Programming Room to enjoy storytime with books, songs, fingerplays, and more! Stimulate your baby’s developing senses and help them build listening and memory skills that can help your baby grow up to be a reader! Enjoy meeting other parents and their little ones and making new friends! 

For additional information, please email the Youth Department at mainyou@mplonline.org, or call (251) 340-1507.

STEAM program ideal for ages 6 -11!

Join us in the Children's Room every Tuesday in August to learn about the five senses with a fun activity. Supplies are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. 

If you have questions, or need additional information, please email West Regional Youth Services at westyou@mplonline.org, or call (251) 340-8571.

Join us in the Meeting Room! 

Use your imagination and challenge your building skills with Lego activities! This program is designed for children ages 6 - 18. 

For more information, please email Ms. Lee at jlee@mplonline.org or call (251) 494-4935.

Quality family time that is fun for all ages!

Join us in the Meeting Room at the Grand Bay Library to play some of your favorite games! We will alternate between board games, puzzle games, and video games.

Playing board games will help children learn how to follow rules and directions in an enjoyable setting. Playing video games improves manual dexterity and helps you develop problem-solving skills! We look forward to helping you enjoy some time out of the house with your family!

Registration is recommended, as space is limited. To register, or for more information, please email Ms. Dupree at fdupree@mplonline.org or call (251) 494-2207. 

Join us in the Meeting Room for stories, songs, and crafts!

Early reading ignites creativity, sparks curiosity, and stimulates the imagination in young children. This program is designed to help promote their passion for learning. For your convenience, the program is offered at three different times on Wednesdays: 10am, 11:30am, and 1:30pm - choose the time that works best for you!

For more information, please email Mr. Butch at ftigner@mplonline.org or call (251) 494-4132.

Join us for stories and songs and lots of fun! 

Storytimes act as an integral part of early literacy education by introducing young children to books, rhymes, music, and more. This story time event is designed with preschool aged children in mind, but all ages are welcome! 

Space is limited; first come - first served. For more information, please call (251) 662-9676 or email the Theodore Oaks Circulation Desk at theocir@mplonline.org.
 

Books, music, and grooving for your little ones!

Join us in the Meeting Room every Wednesday and Thursday morning at 10:00 a.m. for this storytime program designed for infants and children up to age three. Help stimulate their early literacy skills and enjoy meeting other parents!

For more information, please call (251) 340-8571 or email West Regional Youth Services at westyou@mplonline.org.

Introduction to Microsoft Excel for adults!

Join us upstairs in the Technology Room to learn about personal and professional uses for the popular computer program, Microsoft Excel. Get familiar with inserting, deleting, and editing data, columns, and rows in an Excel spreadsheet. This class also provides a basic overview of some of the functions and formulas offered in the program. 

Improving Language and Listening Skills with Storytime!

Early reading ignites creativity, sparks curiosity, and stimulates the imagination in young children. Join us in the Meeting Room for this half-hour program designed for children ages 3 - 6. In addition to stories, we will use other activities such as songs, fingerplays, and crafts to enrich your child's learning experience!

Registration is required for groups, as capacity is limited. To register or for more information, please email Ms. Atwood at katwood@mplonline.org or call 251-675-2879. 

Every Wednesday!

Join us in the Meeting Room for books, songs, sign language and for ages 3 - 5!

Early reading ignites creativity, sparks curiosity, and stimulates the imagination in young children. This program will incorporate American Sign Language and help promote your child’s passion for reading.

Join us in the Meeting Room for stories, songs, and crafts!

Early reading ignites creativity, sparks curiosity, and stimulates the imagination in young children. This program is designed to help promote their passion for learning. For your convenience, the program is offered at three different times on Wednesdays: 10am, 11:30am, and 1:30pm - choose the time that works best for you!

For more information, please email Mr. Butch at ftigner@mplonline.org or call (251) 494-4132.

Join us in the Meeting Room for stories, songs, and crafts!

Early reading ignites creativity, sparks curiosity, and stimulates the imagination in young children. This program is designed to help promote their passion for learning. For your convenience, the program is offered at three different times on Wednesdays: 10am, 11:30am, and 1:30pm - choose the time that works best for you!

For more information, please email Mr. Butch at ftigner@mplonline.org or call (251) 494-4132.

Relax, Unwind & Craft!

Join us in the Meeting Room to work on your knit and crochet projects, and chat with fellow yarn crafters. Beginners are welcome! If you'd like to learn to knit or crochet, we'd be happy to teach you.

This class is designed for adults, but teens and children accompanied by adults are also welcome. For additional information, please call (251) 340-8561 or email Jill Stewart at jstewart@mplonline.org.

Gotta catch 'em all!

Join us upstairs at the Ben May Main Library Teen Hangout to enjoy anime, video games, and snacks.

For more information, please email Teen Services at teenservices@mplonline.org or call (251) 340-1458.

August Fun at the library!

Join Mr. Dave in the Children's Room every Wednesday. Each week will feature an engaging activity to make your Wednesday wonderful! This program is best suited for ages 6 - 11, but all are welcome.

Supplies and space are limited, so participation is on a first come, first served basis. For more information, please call 251-340-8571 or email West Regional Youth Services at westyou@mplonline.org.