Southern Exposure in BPL 2025

Southern Exposure Films Donated to all 17 Birmingham Public Library Locations

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Contact: Roy L. Williams, Director of Public Relations, Birmingham Public Library: 205-226-3604 (office), 205-572-1359 (cell), [email protected]

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—Alabama Rivers Alliance and Black Warrior Riverkeeper have donated to the Birmingham Public Library (BPL) 17 copies of the latest editions of Southern Exposure, an award-winning documentary series educating the public about Alabama’s natural resources.

“The 2024 edition of Southern Exposure features beautifully captured short films that will further enrich our collection and be available for borrowing at all BPL locations,” said Janine Langston, BPL’s executive director. “We are grateful for this generous donation and proud to serve as a resource for educating the public about Alabama’s natural environment and the importance of protecting it.”

Each of BPL’s 17 locations now has one DVD copy of the 2024 edition of Southern Exposure, a series of documentary shorts on various Alabama environmental topics by independent filmmakers. DVDs of previous Southern Exposure editions are available at all BPL branches thanks to Alabama Rivers Alliance and Black Warrior Riverkeeper’s prior donations.

“I am proud that every Birmingham Public Library location has these excellent Southern Exposure documentaries,” said Charles Scribner, executive director of Black Warrior Riverkeeper. “Each year, Black Warrior Riverkeeper delivers the newest copy of Southern Exposure to every public library in the 17-county Black Warrior River watershed.”

Created in six weeks each summer, Southern Exposure films celebrate special people and places in Alabama while exploring complex issues and solutions. Made possible through partnerships with environmental and conservation groups across the state, the documentaries give viewers a sense of how much Alabama has to offer and the importance of protecting all of its resources.

“One of our favorite traditions that we look so forward to each year is working with Black Warrior Riverkeeper and Birmingham Public Libraries to make sure all of their libraries have the latest Southern Exposure Films available on DVD,” Kelly Marshall, Alabama Rivers Alliance’s Deputy Director, said. “We strive to make these films available and accessible to all Alabamians and this continued collaboration helps make that happen!

The Altamont School in Birmingham will once again host the World Premiere of the NEW 2025 Southern Exposure films on Friday, September 19. This free event is highly anticipated and a do-not-miss event in Birmingham. There will also be an open discussion after the films that features the filmmakers, people featured in the films, Alabama Rivers Alliance team, and 100+ partner organizations from across the state.

To view a photograph by Roy Williams of Caleb West, head of the BPL Collection Management Department, Kelly Marshall, deputy director of Alabama Rivers Alliance, and Charles Scribner, executive director of Black Warrior Riverkeeper, click here.

To view the 2024 Southern Exposure DVD cover, click here.

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Birmingham Public Library’s mission is to provide the highest quality library service to our citizens for life-long learning, cultural enrichment, and enjoyment. This system—with 17 locations and serving the community for over 135 years—is one of the largest library systems in the southeast. For additional information about the programs and services of the Birmingham Public Library, follow us on Facebook and Twitter @BPL.

Alabama Rivers Alliance is a statewide network of groups working to protect and restore all of Alabama’s water resources through building partnerships, empowering citizens, and advocating for sound water policy and its enforcement.

Black Warrior Riverkeeper’s mission is to protect and restore the Black Warrior River and its tributaries. The nonprofit organization promotes clean water for the sake of public health, recreation, and wildlife habitat throughout the Black Warrior River watershed.

Caleb West, head of the BPL Collection Management Department, Kelly Marshall, deputy director of Alabama Rivers Alliance, and Charles Scribner, executive director of Black Warrior Riverkeeper. Photo by Roy Williams.