Birmingham Freedom.

I went to the library today. Not to check out a book. I cannot check out a book in Birmingham. I went to check out the library.

You can learn a lot about a city by the state of its public library.

The central branch of the Birmingham Public Library has ample airspace between its racks. The first three floors of the central branch are open to the public. Further up the white Googie staircase, only staff is permitted. A sign like the sign next to the hostess station at IHOP stands watch to prevent access to those not employed by the library or otherwise authorized by management.

The restaurants in Five Points are taking their menus in. I am told that it is always rains on Thursdays in Five Points.

Elizabeth is the bartender at the Black Market today. She reminds me of another Elizabeth, one that I know in New Orleans, who works in a hospitality-adjacent industry. If you cannot be with the one you love, love the one you are with.

I will tell you about what Elizabeth told me about life in Birmingham. Wait a moment.