Library with diverse books.

Birmingham named 8th best city in U.S. for book lovers

A Literary Destination in the Heart of the South

Book lovers, take note. Birmingham has just been named the 8th best city for book lovers by the esteemed digital travel publication, Explore.com. Known for its rich cultural and literary scene, Birmingham stands out among the best cities to indulge in literary delights.

What Makes Birmingham Rank High?

Several factors contributed to Birmingham’s high ranking. Notably, The Alabama Booksmith, a unique bookstore that only deals in signed copies, a treasure for any book aficionado. Simultaneously, the Birmingham Public Library, consisting of an extensive network of over 70 regional libraries and a prized collection of Southern literature, proves to be a caravan for knowledge-seekers.

Other standout mentions include Birmingham’s vibrant literary scene and renowned authors such as Angela Davis and Sonia Sanchez, whose words have resonated with a wide array of readers.

A Well-Deserved Honor Interestingly Accepted

Local reponses to Birmingham’s high ranking were overwhelmingly positive. The Birmingham Public Library expressed their delight and pride in providing an extensive and ever-growing collection of books, materials, and resources for over 100 years. They reveled in their contribution in making Birmingham a city of literature and learning, and cherished their Research Library’s world-class collection that draws in researchers from around the world.

Jake Reiss, the owner of The Alabama Booksmith, was thrilled with the recognition. He praised the distinctiveness of his bookstore for selling signed copies at the regular publisher price.

Another local bookstore, Thank You Books, also acknowledged the honor, with Co-Owner Elizabeth Goodrich expressing their belief that Birmingham is full of curious and creative people. She also paid tribute to the city’s librarians for the incredible work they do.

Another Bookish Feather in its Cap

Birmingham’s recognition as a city for book lovers is also due, in part, because it’s the national headquarters for Books-A-Million. This further highlights Birmingham’s strong connections to literature and learning.

Stiff Competition and Recognition

While Birmingham proudly holds the eighth position, it shares the top 10 with other US cities that boast equally impressive literary credentials. Some of the cities ahead of Birmingham include Lancaster (PA), New York City (NY), Harrisburg (PA), Pensacola (FL), Poughkeepsie (NY), Portland (OR), and Pittsburgh (PA).

But the precise placement on the list doesn’t diminish the honor in any way. Whether it’s eighth or first, the recognition serves to underline the deep-seated love for literature that permeates the city of Birmingham.

Conclusion

Birmingham’s high ranking speaks volumes about the city’s love for books and knowledge. As time passes, the city’s literary scene is likely to flourish even more. So, if you’re an ardent book lover, Birmingham might just be the perfect city for you.

Author: HERE Birmingham