Mardi Gras Library Closures

ALL Mobile Public Library locations will be closed Sunday, February 15 through Tuesday, February 17, 2026, for Mardi Gras.

Branch-Specific Closures:

  • Ben May Main Library will close early at 5 p.m. on the following parade days: January 30–31 and February 5–13, 2026. 
  • Ben May Main Library and Local History & Genealogy will be closed on Saturday, February 14. 
  • Trinity Gardens Community Library will be closed Sunday, February 15 through Sunday, February 22, 2026.

Upcoming Events

Featured Events

Winter Reading 2026: Read with Benny Beanstack Challenge

Winter Reading 2026: Read with Benny Beanstack Challenge

01/01/2026 @ 8:00am to 01/31/2026 @ 5:00pm
Online/Virtual

Program Type:

Contest/Challenge, Holiday Fun

Age Group:

All Ages
Library Branch: Online/Virtual
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Contest/Challenge, Holiday Fun
Event Details:

Read with Benny!

Earn fun, Benny-themed badges for logging your reading and completing activities. Participate for a chance to win a plush Benny. So, grab a book and join Benny for an unforgettable reading adventure!

West Regional Mardi Gras Crown Contest

West Regional Mardi Gras Crown Contest

02/02/2026 @ 9:00am to 02/10/2026 @ 8:00pm
West Regional Library at West Regional Library

Program Type:

Arts & Crafts, Holiday Fun

Age Group:

Ages 0-5, Ages 6-11
Library Branch: West Regional Library
Room: West Regional Library
Age Group: Ages 0-5, Ages 6-11
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Holiday Fun
Event Details:

Stop by the West Regional library and decorate a Mardi Gras Crown! 

Mardi Calendar [SLND] Tales & Tunes LM Calendar

Tales & Tunes with Mrs. Tori (Special Mardi Gras Storytime)

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:00am
Meeting Room (Saraland) at Saraland Public Library

Program Type:

Arts & Crafts, Holiday Fun, Storytime

Age Group:

Ages 6-11
Library Branch: Saraland Public Library
Room: Meeting Room (Saraland)
Age Group: Ages 6-11
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Holiday Fun, Storytime
Event Details:

Let’s listen while moving & grooving in our fun storytime! Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Saturday Crafternoon

Saturday Crafternoon (Mardi Gras Mask Craft)

Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 3:00pm - 3:30pm
Children's Area (Theodore Oaks) at Theodore Oaks Branch Library

Program Type:

Arts & Crafts, Holiday Fun

Age Group:

Ages 6-11
Library Branch: Theodore Oaks Branch Library
Room: Children's Area (Theodore Oaks)
Age Group: Ages 6-11
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Holiday Fun
Event Details:

Laissez les bons temps rouler. Let the good times roll this Saturday, as we enjoy making a Mardi Gras Mask. This activity is limited to 12 participants. 

Mobile Literary Festival 2026

Mobile Literary Festival 2026: Great Expectations

Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 9:00am - 5:00pm
Ben May Main Library at Ben May Main Library

Program Type:

Special Events

Age Group:

Adults
Library Branch: Ben May Main Library
Room: Ben May Main Library
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Special Events
Event Details:

FREE literary festival is scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Ben May Main Library in Mobile, Alabama.

Afternoon of stars March

An Afternoon of Stars with the Mobile Opera

Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Bernheim Hall (Main) at Ben May Main Library

Program Type:

Special Events

Age Group:

All Ages
Library Branch: Ben May Main Library
Room: Bernheim Hall (Main)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Special Events
Event Details:

The Mobile Opera Presents the Cast of Mozart’s The Magic Flute

Friends of the Mobile Public Library Mobile Public Libraries

Friends of the Mobile Public Library Book Sale 2026

Friday, May 1, 2026 at 3:00pm - 7:00pm
(Book Sale Location) Greater Gulf State Fair At The Grounds

Program Type:

Booksale

Age Group:

All Ages
Library Branch: (Book Sale Location) Greater Gulf State Fair At The Grounds
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Booksale
Event Details:

The Friends of the Mobile Public Library Book Sale is back!

Friends of the Mobile Public Library Mobile Public Libraries

Friends of the Mobile Public Library Book Sale 2026

Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 9:00am - 6:00pm
(Book Sale Location) Greater Gulf State Fair At The Grounds

Program Type:

Booksale

Age Group:

All Ages
Library Branch: (Book Sale Location) Greater Gulf State Fair At The Grounds
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Booksale
Event Details:

The Friends of the Mobile Public Library Book Sale is back!

Friends of the Mobile Public Library Mobile Public Libraries

Friends of the Mobile Public Library Book Sale 2026

Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 1:00pm - 6:00pm
(Book Sale Location) Greater Gulf State Fair At The Grounds

Program Type:

Booksale

Age Group:

All Ages
Library Branch: (Book Sale Location) Greater Gulf State Fair At The Grounds
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Booksale
Event Details:

The Friends of the Mobile Public Library Book Sale is back!

Filters
Age Group
Program Type

Crafty Corner (Homemade Hawaiian Leis)

4:00pm–5:00pm
Ages 6-11
Library Branch: Semmes Regional Library
Room: Meeting Room (Semmes)
Age Group: Ages 6-11
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Come join us at the Semmes Regional Library to have fun making crafts together!

Bring a little bit of Hawaii in to your home with a homemade lei. A few supplies, a bit of artistic touch, and a little imagination will have you feeling like you're on the islands. 

What’s Up Wednesdays

4:00pm–5:00pm
Ages 6-11
Library Branch: Ben May Main Library
Room: Youth Programing Room (Main)
Age Group: Ages 6-11
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Games
Event Details:

Come hang out and have some fun!

Disclaimer(s)

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy or other allergens.

Teen Takeover

2:30pm–3:30pm
Teens
Library Branch: Parkway Branch Library
Room: Meeting Room (Parkway)
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Games
Event Details:

It's time for Teen Takeover at the Parkway Branch!

Once Upon a Craft

4:00pm–5:00pm
Ages 0-5, Ages 6-11
Library Branch: Ben May Main Library
Room: Youth Programing Room (Main)
Age Group: Ages 0-5, Ages 6-11
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Storytime
Event Details:

Listen, craft, and have some fun!

Crafternoons at West

3:00pm–5:00pm
Adults
Library Branch: West Regional Library
Room: Quiet Study (West)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Calling all crafters!

Bring your own craft and join us in the meeting room for an afternoon of fun and conversation with other crafters.

Wonderful Wednesdays at West

4:00pm–5:00pm
Ages 6-11
Library Branch: West Regional Library
Room: Meeting Room (West)
Age Group: Ages 6-11
Program Type: Arts & Crafts

Afternoon Fun at the West Regional Library!

Stop by the library on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month for fun at the library! Each program features an engaging activity sure to make your Wednesday wonderful!

Teen Takeover

2:30pm–3:30pm
Teens
Library Branch: Parkway Branch Library
Room: Meeting Room (Parkway)
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Games
Event Details:

It's time for Teen Takeover at the Parkway Branch!

Passion Painters Paint and Sip

2:00pm–3:00pm
Adults
Library Branch: Grand Bay Library
Room: Meeting Room (Grand Bay)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts

Budding artists and passion painters!

Please join us at the Grand Bay Library for our Paint and Sip get together. It’s a social outing to mix and mingle with friends or meet new ones while you paint and sip. A variety of snacks and drinks including tea, coffee, juice, and soda will be provided.

Only 20 spots available, please call (251) 494-2207 to register today! For more information about this event, please email chenderson@mplonline.org

Crafternoons at West

3:00pm–5:00pm
Adults
Library Branch: West Regional Library
Room: Meeting Room (West)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Calling all crafters!

Bring your own craft and join us in the meeting room for an afternoon of fun and conversation with other crafters.

Crafternoons at West

3:00pm–5:00pm
Adults
Library Branch: West Regional Library
Room: Meeting Room (West)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Calling all crafters!

Bring your own craft and join us in the meeting room for an afternoon of fun and conversation with other crafters.

Crafty Corner (Coffee Ground Fossils)

4:00pm–5:00pm
Ages 6-11
Library Branch: Semmes Regional Library
Room: Meeting Room (Semmes)
Age Group: Ages 6-11
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Come join us at the Semmes Regional Library to have fun making crafts together!

Time to dig into summer with this unique and fun craft!  We'll be using coffee grounds to make our very own dinosaur fossils. Simply bring your imagination, and we'll bring the dinosaurs. 

Crafternoons at West

3:00pm–5:00pm
Adults
Library Branch: West Regional Library
Room: Meeting Room (West)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Calling all crafters!

Bring your own craft and join us in the meeting room for an afternoon of fun and conversation with other crafters.

Crafty Corner (Woven Baskets)

4:00pm–5:00pm
Ages 6-11
Library Branch: Semmes Regional Library
Room: Meeting Room (Semmes)
Age Group: Ages 6-11
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Come join us at the Semmes Regional Library to have fun making crafts together!

Basket weaving can be found throughout many cultures and comes in different styles. Join us as we put our own spin on basket weaving using popsicle sticks, thread, and a paper cup.

Librarian’s Special: West Regional Art Lab

9:30am–10:30am
All Ages
Library Branch: West Regional Library
Room: Meeting Room (West)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Librarian Special, Summer Library Celebration
Event Details:

Get your creativity flowing with Art Lab at West Regional!

Librarian’s Special: West Regional Art Lab

11:00am–12:00pm
All Ages
Library Branch: West Regional Library
Room: Meeting Room (West)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Librarian Special, Summer Library Celebration
Event Details:

Get your creativity flowing with Art Lab at West Regional!

Crafternoons at West

3:00pm–5:00pm
Adults
Library Branch: West Regional Library
Room: Meeting Room (West)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Calling all crafters!

Bring your own craft and join us in the meeting room for an afternoon of fun and conversation with other crafters.

Crafty Corner (Hieroglyphic Jewelry)

4:00pm–5:00pm
Ages 6-11
Library Branch: Semmes Regional Library
Room: Meeting Room (Semmes)
Age Group: Ages 6-11
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Come join us at the Semmes Regional Library to have fun making crafts together!

Help us unearth a bit of ancient civilization using the power of imagination! Using beads and air-dry clay, we'll create amazing Egyptian-style jewelry that everyone can enjoy.

Crafternoons at West

3:00pm–5:00pm
Adults
Library Branch: West Regional Library
Room: Meeting Room (West)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Calling all crafters!

Bring your own craft and join us in the meeting room for an afternoon of fun and conversation with other crafters.

Crafty Corner (DIY Ancient Scrolls)

4:00pm–5:00pm
Ages 6-11
Library Branch: Semmes Regional Library
Room: Meeting Room (Semmes)
Age Group: Ages 6-11
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Come join us at the Semmes Regional Library to have fun making crafts together!

Time to give an ancient artifact a modern twist as we use modern-day materials to make "ancient" scrolls. This is an activity you definitely don't want to SCROLL past!

This activity is ideal for ages 6-18.

Crafternoons at West

3:00pm–5:00pm
Adults
Library Branch: West Regional Library
Room: Meeting Room (West)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Calling all crafters!

Bring your own craft and join us in the meeting room for an afternoon of fun and conversation with other crafters.

Crafty Corner (Painted Rock Pteroglyphs)

4:00pm–5:00pm
Ages 6-11
Library Branch: Semmes Regional Library
Room: Meeting Room (Semmes)
Age Group: Ages 6-11
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Come join us at the Semmes Regional Library to have fun making crafts together!

Prehistoric art meets new world technique in this exciting craft. With food coloring, cornstarch, and rocks (oh my!), we'll get to experience the wonder of painting prehistoric pteroglyphs the modern way.

Crafternoons at West

3:00pm–5:00pm
Adults
Library Branch: West Regional Library
Room: Meeting Room (West)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Calling all crafters!

Bring your own craft and join us in the meeting room for an afternoon of fun and conversation with other crafters.

Crafty Corner (Tripod Catapults)

4:00pm–5:00pm
Ages 6-11
Library Branch: Semmes Regional Library
Room: Meeting Room (Semmes)
Age Group: Ages 6-11
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Come join us at the Semmes Regional Library to have fun making crafts together!

We've tunneled our way through the ancient world, but we're not done yet. It's time to visit ancient Rome, where we'll launch ourselves into some STEM fun with tripod catapults!

Crafternoons at West

3:00pm–5:00pm
Adults
Library Branch: West Regional Library
Room: Meeting Room (West)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Calling all crafters!

Bring your own craft and join us in the meeting room for an afternoon of fun and conversation with other crafters.