Birmingham Public Library: 50 Years Forward
Channel: BPLonline
Date: 2015-01-07

(Please note that this video was damaged and the quality of the recording is poor. However, the information included in this video makes it worthwhile to share with the public.)

Four retired Birmingham Public Library (BPL) directors and library staff members discuss the library's history. Left to right: Hope Cooper, Barbara Sirmans, Joe Black, George Stewart, Catherine Oseas. 

Video highlights:

9:00 - Desegregation of the library and library staff.

13:15 - Professional wardrobe for female library staff.

16:30 - Birmingham in 1963, Bull Connor, Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing, and the local media.

20:00 - Barbara Sirmans' first view of Birmingham.

23:45 - BPL's separate libraries for blacks and whites and integrating the library.

27:00 - Professional influences for each of the staff members.

44:14 - Library Board makes changes to hire managers with library degrees (MLS) and provides an opportunity for the staff to attain their MLS degree. Focus on staff diversity.

50:11 - Changes in libraries and technology.

56:00 - The importance of maintaining library buildings and equipment.