I had been here two days earlier; walked in and did my work. I am a journalist who travels around the country reporting from street level about what I see in each city and the people I meet, and I make money off donations to my blog. I've used well over 50 libraries just in the last year. I carry a backpack--since I camp outside.
When I walked into the library today, the security guard told me he would have to search my backpack. this is the FIRST time I have ever been asked to be search by a LIBRARY. Even in much worse cities (Milwaukee, Memphis, Redding, and on and on), never has this happened before.
We are supposed to have rights when in a public place. We should not be forced to a search without warrant. We should be treated as though we are innocent unless proven to be guilty. Birmingham is a nice place, very little crime, clean streets, friendly people.
The library itself is not bad, but not overly remarkable. This search requirement ruined my day, disallowed me to do the work I needed to do, and was completely out of line. I wouldn't let them search my personal belongings, so I was not allowed to stay.
Once upon a time libraries were public places of refuge and scholarship. But the military-style policing in our society has penetrated everything. Some might say that if I had nothing to hide, I should have let them search me. But, that is the most un-American thing a citizen can submit him/herself to. An innocent person who submits to a search of their private things, is a bigger fool than a guilty person who intends to do harm with them.
We are not free. And the acquirement of knowledge is no longer available in American--without submitting to Nazi tactics. If you are a conscientious traveler and still believe in a free society, skip the Birmingham Central Library branch.