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Birmingham Public Library

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Word to the wise - Anonymous employee Birmingham Public Library Employee Review

1.0
Feb 7, 2019
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Had a couple of co workers that were cool. It made things less miserable

Cons

ATTENTION: AVOID!!!! Toxic work environment!!!!!No vision, support, or hope. Awful communication and leadership from upper management and administration. If you can think of a wrong way to lead and direct a library it was done by upper management. They cut corners and only do whats in their own best interest. They constantly look for ways to blame employees for their problems and never not once seek to understand what an employee is struggling with and how to positively help them with uplifting and constructive feedback. The performance reviews are completely biased, unfair, and a joke! People back stab and conspire against each other. It's literally like watching a reality tv show unfold on a daily basis. There are no expectations on employees and holding people for accountable for their actions? you can forget about that. The BPL library system is in shambles and working their made my life a living hell. Just know that regular employees are not valued nor are opinions, views, and concerns respected. All decisions effecting employees are made behind closed doors by a library board of directors who have no real relationship with the library and its employees. What an absolute disgrace and embarrassment BPL is to the city of Birmingham.

Explore other reviews about Birmingham Public Library

4.0
Feb 23, 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great place to learn in the field

Cons

No cons at the present

3.0
May 21, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good coworkers, great benefits for full-time employees. Some branches are a great time to work at, others not so much.

Cons

Really really bad upper management. Lots of gossip and nepotism. Staff who has "upset" management are overlooked for positions, while brand new staff get promoted. Very antiquated systems of application and interviews. It feels more like a corporation than a library. I have only met the director once, long enough to say hello.

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