The library and I have an interesting relationship. Sometimes, I can go and be productive — laptop on full battery, a snagged seat by the window, no distractions. Other times, I feel like I am witnessing an episode of "The Bachelor", Christian Mingle style — ladies trying to uphold the "ring by spring" and guys talking about, well, whatever guys talk about. My problem isn’t that I don’t care, but rather that I have midterms, and I do not want the bulk of my day’s conversations taking place in the library (call me crazy). Let's make this process a little less painful, shall we? Let's take the chit-chat somewhere it is not so…lame.
1. Railroad Park.
When you want to be social, but not really. A 19-acre park located in the center of downtown Birmingham. Free Wi-fi, open space, bike rentals and walking trails.
Hours: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Address: 1600 1st Avenue
2. The Botanical Gardens Public Library.
When life just ain't a walk in the park. Free Wi-fi, located on the same property as the Botanical Gardens, walking trails and peaceful atmosphere.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Monday - Thursday), 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Saturdays), 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. (Sundays).
Address: 2612 Lane Park Rd.
3. My favorite coffee shops.
1. Octane: loud music, close to restaurants, good coffee, bar scene, good place to go on a sunny day. Go after 8 p.m. and you can get free pastries!
2. Seeds: fun atmosphere, outdoor and indoor seating (comfortable couches and lounge chairs outside), good coffee, Wi-fi and good music (closed on Sundays).
3. Red Cat: good food/drink selection, outdoor and indoor seating, good way to get downtown.
4. Feast and Forest: great environment, usually a small crowd, quiet, good breakfast food.
5. O'Henrys (Homewood location): good food, usually a small crowd, close to a lot of restaurants, convenient location.
6. Satellite: good coffee, board games and a photo booth available for a study break, very nice staff.
7. Revelator: quiet, productive study environment.
8. East 59 Vintage and Cafe: good food and coffee, great place to go if you want to get away.
4. Vulcan Park.
When you're single and a man won't take you here. Free Wi-fi, outdoor seating, overlooking Birmingham.
Hours: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Address: 1701 Valley View Dr.
5. McDonald's (please don't laugh).
Everyone has to eat, right? Free Wi-fi, cheap food (dollar menu, holla), it is the definition of a "hip study spot" (because literally no one but you will be studying here).
Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: 818 Green Springs Hwy Ste
6. Birmingham Museum of Art.
Because I like art and you should too. Outdoor and indoor tables for working, free Wi-fi, free admission and free parking.
Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Tuesday - Saturday), 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. (Sundays).
Address: 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd
7. Library in the Forest.
When you want to go hiking, but you just can't. Study rooms, outdoor seating, a variety of book selections, walking trails and a variety of atmospheres.
Hours: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. (Monday - Saturday), 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. (Sundays).
Address: 1221 Montgomery Hwy
8. Sprout and Pour.
When you've had chicken nuggets for lunch and you need to redeem yourself. Quiet environment, organic smoothies and juices.
Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. (Monday - Saturday).
Address: 927 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood
9. Homewood Library.
When the library is your jam but you want to play it cool. Free coffee, change of atmosphere, located close to Taco Mama and Church Street Coffee.
Hours: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Monday - Saturday), 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. (Sundays).
Address: 1721 Oxmoor Rd.
10. Whole Foods.
If you wear chacos and have dark rimmed glasses. Outlets, free Wi-fi, desks for studying inside, a lot of windows and natural lighting.
Hours: 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. (Monday - Saturday), 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. (Sundays)
Address: 3100 Cahaba Village Plaza
