Category Archives: Birmingham

Reed’s new digs

Jim Reed’s Book Loft has moved from its historic loft space on 1st Avenue South over to 3rd Avenue North. Jim is cramming as much as he can into the first floor of the O’Neill building. It’s a smaller space, but I have to say that you can see more books now. The “shotgun” design of the shop allows for LOTS of bookshelves.

Some might miss the sense of adventure the old loft and all its nooks and crannies created, but those of us stopping by on our lunch breaks do appreciate the new found organization and space.

I posted a few pics here on Flickr. You can tell they’re still moving in (or if you remember the old shop, maybe you can’t).
Here’s a few from the old loft space taken by another Birminghamster some time ago.

Kudos to Kennedy

Looking for some inspiration and a pick-me-up, I recently checked out Fingerprint from my library. Lots of good handlettering, letterpress and screenprinting in this one. But let me tell you how pleased I was when I saw Alabama-based Amos Kennedy’s work sharing pages with some of the world’s premiere shops. Page 116 shows some printed fans he did for Kentuck and page 162 showcases a layered poster he did to commemorate Rosa Parks’ famous bus ride.

Lets hear it for some positive press for us folks south of the Mason Dixon!

Two places at once

The Birmingham Public Library has posted its first show on YouTube. You can view the video here, from their blog. It’s the epsiode promoting Alabama Bound and discussing a book on Miles College and drama titled Mayor Todd.

The YouTube video has a couple of weird edits and lasts around six minutes. Unless I’m mistaken, this is the same show that airs on public access here in the ‘ham. Which is pretty cool if you miss it on TV.

Props to the BPL crew for doing this. I hope they keep it up!

Booking the ‘ham

If you’re in the ‘ham this weekend you’ll want to swing by the Vestavia Hills library. Their BIG annual book sale kicks off this afternoon at 5pm and runs through Tuesday. The library opens at 9am on Saturday and 1pm on Sunday.
I’m thinking about taking elbow pads and a helmet, in case it’s anything like last year’s sale. Some people are CRAZY about $1 books and I always seem to be in their way!