Birmingham Public Library Expands Educational Resources with Southern Exposure Films Donation

Birmingham Welcomes Latest Southern Exposure Films Donation to Public Library

Birmingham’s public library system has received an exciting boost to its educational resources as Alabama Rivers Alliance and Black Warrior Riverkeeper donated 18 copies of the latest edition of the acclaimed Southern Exposure documentary series. This significant addition aims to enrich the library’s collection, making valuable information about Alabama’s natural resources accessible to the public.

A Valuable Resource for the Community

According to Janine Langston, the executive director of the Birmingham Public Library (BPL), this generous donation will be a great asset. “These beautifully captured short films will enhance our collection and be available for borrowing at all BPL locations,” she said. Each of BPL’s 18 branches now has one DVD copy of the 2023 edition of Southern Exposure, which features independent filmmakers covering a variety of Alabama environmental topics.

This is not the first time such a donation has been made. DVDs from previous editions of the series are already available across all BPL branches, thanks to prior contributions from the same organizations.

Highlighting Alabama’s Environmental Richness

The Southern Exposure films are created in a collaborative effort among various environmental and conservation groups throughout Alabama. Completed over a summer period, the films spotlight the unique stories and places within the state while tackling important environmental issues. Charles Scribner, executive director of Black Warrior Riverkeeper, expressed his enthusiasm about continuing to provide these films for free throughout the library system. “It is a pleasure to deliver Southern Exposure films each year to every public library in the Black Warrior River watershed,” Scribner remarked.

This donation is part of an ongoing commitment to educate the public about the importance of protecting Alabama’s natural resources, which are both vast and vital to the community’s well-being.

A Partnership for Awareness

Cindy Lowry, executive director of Alabama Rivers Alliance, also shared her excitement about the partnership with BPL and Black Warrior Riverkeeper. “We’re thrilled to partner with Black Warrior Riverkeeper once again,” she noted, emphasizing how this collaboration helps amplify critical environmental stories and the dedicated Alabamians who work tirelessly to protect the rivers and nature around the Black Warrior River watershed.

Looking Ahead: Premiering New Films

The community is invited to celebrate the premiere of the 2024 Southern Exposure films at The Altamont School on Friday, September 27. This free event will feature filmmakers, highlighted individuals from the films, and staff from Alabama Rivers Alliance, among various partner organizations. It promises to be an engaging evening that showcases the creative and passionate efforts taken to shine a spotlight on Alabama’s rich natural heritage.

A Call to Action

As National Preparedness Month continues, Governor Kay Ivey has made a call for Alabamians to take action to stay prepared for potential emergencies. While the Southern Exposure films provide an educational backdrop about natural resources, the message remains clear: awareness and community involvement are vital. Ivey’s initiatives this month are part of broader strategies to encourage the public to take individual and collective actions to safeguard their surroundings.

As Birmingham residents, the provision of resources like the Southern Exposure series inspires not just appreciation for the state’s natural beauty but also knowledge about how to protect it. With the upcoming premiere and ongoing support from local organizations, the community continues to foster a sense of responsibility toward Alabama’s environment.