Inglenook Library
The Inglenook Branch Library or (or Birmingham Public Library Inglenook Branch) is a branch of the Birmingham Public Library located at 4100 40th Terrace North in Birmingham's Inglenook neighborhood.
The library was dedicated on July 17, 1979 in the renovated former Birmingham Fire Station No. 23. The project won second-place for restoration and renovation in Birmingham magazine's 1980 Beautification Awards issue.
In 2010 Birmingham Public Library included the Inglenook Library among a handful of neighborhood libraries that could be closed to meet a request by Mayor William Bell to save $900,000 in the system's annual budget. Birmingham City Council member Maxine Parker joined neighborhood residents in protesting the closure.
The building was expanded and renovated to make it more accessible and functional in 2013-2014. Library programs operated temporarily at the Inglenook Recreation Center. Hoskins Architecture designed the renovation, which included opening up the former fire station hose tower and clearing out basement areas for staff. Above the stair was inscribed the sentiment "A library is an arsenal of liberty" (attributed here to Cicero and elsewhere to Bob Dylan).
The renovation was recognized with a "Merit Award" from AIA Birmingham. Cross Building Co. was contractor for the $405,414 project. The new 3,441 square-foot library building opened on May 22. A plaque in memory of Maxine Parker was dedicated near the entrance.
Branch managers
- Karnecia Williams, 2019
References
- Posey, Melanie (June 25, 2010) "Neighbors protest closing of Inglenook library." WBRC.com
- "Inglenook Branch Library Has Award Winning Design" (March 4, 2015) Birmingham Public Library press release
- Bryant, Joseph D. (May 22, 2014) "Historic former Birmingham fire station continues service after major renovation." The Birmingham News
- Hagood, Kathy (September 2, 2015) "Renovation Beyond the Book" Business Alabama
External links
- Inglenook Branch at bplonline.org
- Renderings of the library renovation at birminghamal.gov