Bessemer Public Library

🏢 Jefferson County Library Cooperative · Bessemer, Alabama

Bessemer Public Library

Investing in the community since 1907, Bessemer Public Library pairs extended evening hours, a youth makerspace, and U.S. passport acceptance services with one of Jefferson County's most active event calendars.

📞 +1 205-428-7882🌐 bessemerlibrary.com🧭 Get directions
🕑 Hours & visit📖 About⭐ Highlights📚 Services📍 Nearby❓ FAQ

🕑 Library Hours

Monday 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday Closed

Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.

📍 Location, Contact & Directions

Address: 400 19TH STREET N, BESSEMER, AL 35020

Phone: +1 205-428-7882

Website: bessemerlibrary.com

Plus Code: 865MC23W+82 (BESSEMER, AL)

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👋 Use the Library Online

&🔍Search the JCLC Catalog →&🌐Library Website →&📚Alabama Virtual Library →

📖 About Bessemer Public Library

Bessemer Public Library has anchored the civic life of Bessemer since its founding in 1907, making it one of the oldest continuously operating public libraries in Jefferson County. Today the library at 400 19th Street North offers a rich mix of collections and services: public computers, a youth makerspace for ages 8–17, gaming consoles for teens, reading caves in the youth department, and a genealogy database for researchers tracing family roots. The library is a certified U.S. Passport Application Acceptance Facility, taking appointments Monday through Friday from 2:00–4:00 pm for patrons needing to apply for a new passport. Programs run the calendar year, ranging from Gentle Yoga and Cinematic Escapes movie screenings to knitting circles, adult book clubs, and financial management workshops. As a member of the Jefferson County Library Cooperative (JCLC), a Bessemer card grants borrowing privileges at all 22 member branches and access to the full JCLC digital catalog.

⭐ What makes this library special

  • Established in 1907 — one of Jefferson County's oldest continuously serving public libraries
  • Certified U.S. Passport Application Acceptance Facility (Mon–Fri, 2–4 pm, by appointment)
  • Youth Makerspace for ages 8–17 with hands-on STEM and creative activities
  • Teen gaming lounge featuring Xbox One, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch consoles
  • Extended evening hours on Mondays and Thursdays until 8:00 pm

📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card

Your Bessemer library card connects you to a wide range of free digital resources:

&📚 Alabama Virtual Library (AVL)Free statewide databases, magazines, newspapers, and academic content for all Alabama residents at alabamavirtuallibrary.org
&📱 Libby by OverDriveBorrow eBooks and audiobooks instantly on any device through the JCLC collection at jclc.overdrive.com
&🎧 hoopla DigitalUnlimited streaming of movies, music, comics, and audiobooks with no wait lists — included with your JCLC card
&📺 KanopyStream award-winning films, documentaries, and educational content free with your library card

📚 Services

  • U.S. Passport Application Acceptance (Mon–Fri 2–4 pm, appointment required)
  • Youth Makerspace (ages 8–17)
  • Public computers with internet access
  • Printing, copying, and scanning
  • Genealogy database access
  • Meeting rooms
  • Wi-Fi

🎸 Programs

  • Little Learners Storytime for young children
  • Teen gaming sessions (Xbox One, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, ages 10–17)
  • Cinematic Escapes — monthly movie screenings with popcorn
  • Gentle Yoga with certified instructor
  • Adult Manga & Anime Club
  • Monthly knitting and crochet circle
  • Book club and crafting workshops
  • Financial management and career-readiness workshops
  • Summer Reading Program (annual, all ages)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a passport appointment at Bessemer Public Library?

Bessemer Public Library is a certified U.S. Passport Application Acceptance Facility. Appointments are available Monday through Friday from 2:00–4:00 pm. Call (205) 428-7882 to schedule. Bring a completed DS-11 form, your birth certificate, a government-issued photo ID, and a passport photo. Processing fees are paid separately to the U.S. Department of State.

What age group is the Bessemer makerspace for?

The Bessemer Public Library Makerspace is designed for kids and teens ages 8 to 17. It offers hands-on STEM and creative activities. Check the library's event calendar or call (205) 428-7882 for current session schedules and registration details.

Does Bessemer Public Library have evening hours?

Yes. The library stays open until 8:00 pm on Mondays and Thursdays, making it one of the few Jefferson County branches with regular evening access for working residents. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday hours run 9 am–6 pm, and Saturday hours are 10 am–4 pm.

Can I research my family history at Bessemer Public Library?

Yes. The library provides access to genealogy databases for tracing family records. Staff at the adult services help desk can point you to the right resources, which include Ancestry and other research tools available through the JCLC consortium.

🔨 This library has a makerspace / 3D printing. See how library makerspaces and 3D printing work and find other libraries with a makerspace makerspaces by state.

🖨 This library offers printing, copying & fax. See how library printing, copying, scanning and fax services work — costs and mobile printing — and find other libraries that offer them printing & fax by state.

🛂 This library offers U.S. passport services. See how library passport acceptance works — requirements, fees and appointments — and find other passport acceptance libraries by state.

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