Category Archives: library

Alabama, Events, library

Right to Read in Alabama

Leave a comment

The folks at Read Freely Alabama are in Livingston, AL tonight at 6:00 p.m., in the Bell Conference Center and dinner is provided (it’s tacos!) The meeting itself is free and open to the public. On the agenda tonight is an open discussion about challenges to Alabama public libraries around the state and how you can get involved to defend your right to read as well defend libraries and Alabama librarians. It is shaping up to be a lively discussion.

If you are going they ask that you RSVP so they can make sure they have enough seats and food.

And if you can’t make it tonight, Read Freely Alabama is holding more events around the state this October. Hope you can make one of them.

Also, be aware that there is an online discussion planned for Oct. 14 in with the organizers of F.I.R.E. at 6:00 p.m.  So be sure to check that out as well.

Let Books Be Poster by Hyesu Lee

There is a lot going on this week, with it being Banned Books Week, and Saturday being Let Freedom Read Day. It’s nice to see folks in Alabama being fed up with some of our state and local leadership when it comes to out public libraries. Stand up and speak up!

Hoover, library

Hoover Library’s Libby in the Wild

Leave a comment

I finally got to meet Libby from Hoover Library while at the Alabama Library Association conference this week.

Libby (who started in August 2023 as their first canine librarian) was introduced as a “facility animal” here at the conference and helps out with programs at the library. The Hoover librarians were here leading a session to help other libraries figure out how to start animal-related programs like theirs.

I realize that zero folks outside of Birmingham will be interested, but it’s always cool to see neighbors while on a work trip!

Book Sale, Hoover, library

Hoover Library Book Sale 2023

Leave a comment

There is a great book sale kicking off in Hoover, AL. It runs through the whole weekend. It’s the quarterly Hoover Library Book Sale held by the Friends of the Hoover Library.

While not as big as it was (they have sales quarterly instead of annually), this used book sale is always worth it.

The shopping kicks off today at 9am and has already been featured on many of the morning news shows here around Birmingham. The sale runs 9am-5:30pm Friday, 10am-5:30pm Saturday and 1pm to 4:30pm on Sunday.

The bag sales are really fun (and a great bargain) at the Hoover Library Book Sales. Don’t get me wrong – some of the books are well-loved well-read used library books you’d expect. What collectors might call “a reading copy”, but some of the books are donations from folks around the area. All for the same price!

I’m still kind of bummed that the Friends closed their bookshop that was in the Hoover Library. I mean I get why… but still… it was always a fun visit.

I’m always pleased to see some of the donated books and the condition and subject matter. If these donated book are any indication, we must have some really cool and interesting folks around Hoover. Though it’s hard to get to know someone when everyone is throwing elbows trying to grab what they can from the $1 hardback tables… it’s a lot of fun!

The weather looks perfect for the weekend as well. If you’re in the area it may be worth swinging by the Hoover Library Book Sale

Alabama, Hoover, library, News

Hoover Library Hound

Leave a comment

I have so many questions for the Hoover Library folks! I have no information about Libby, but the photo, the teasing announcement is wonderful and we want to know all the details.

from the Hoover Library site announcement – meet Libby!
  • What will Libby do?
  • Where does Libby come from?
  • Is this beautiful pup the one entering all the new data into the Libby library app?

“Libby is currently training to be our first canine librarian.  She will officially join our staff in August.  Check back here for a schedule of Libby’s appearances and to find ways to support Libby’s adoption.”

August seems so far away now. Can’t wait to hear more! If you’d like to keep up with the library, you can check out the site or follow them on all the social channels. They also have a fun Friends of the Library store you should check out if you’re in the Hoover, AL area. They have great prices.