Blogs

In 2026, Huntsville-Madison County Public Library hosted a new type of makerspace class – and one that has excited patrons enough to have filled registration in a week or less each time! The Downtown Huntsville Public Library Makerspace Librarian Andy Anzollitto had seen such interest in the ‘Zine’ Club Meetings, he decided to branch out and teach a Bookbinding Class.

In two relaxed classes lasting about 90 minutes, participants were led through the process of creating their own small moleskine-sized journal to take home. All it took were simple supplies, easy-to-follow instructions, and eager crafters to make this delightful event.

The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (HMCPL) is a vibrant community hub, a place to create, explore, and connect. Sometimes, though, what you really need is a little peace and quiet to read, work, or study. At HMCPL, we understand that need, and we're here to help.

With ten library branches spread across Madison County, there's a good chance that your perfect quiet spot is closer than you think! While our larger branches can be bustling with activity, often, our smaller branches offer a calmer atmosphere, making them ideal for those seeking some quiet time. You can find a list of all our branches and their hours on our website.

The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (HMCPL) is more than just a building filled with books; it is a vibrant community hub that provides access to knowledge, resources, and a welcoming space for all. The Library is here for you, from entertainment to research to workforce development. If you are passionate about supporting HMCPL, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference. Here are some meaningful ways you can contribute:

Ebooks and audiobooks that you can check out are now a fundamental part of the majority of US public library services. HMCPL began its digital book journey in 2009 with the OverDrive platform. OverDrive owns what is now the Libby app, and the group of libraries that HMCPL partners with to provide ebooks and audiobooks (Guntersville Public Library, Florence-Lauderdale County Public Library, and the Oneonta Public Library) is called the Valley Digital Library consortium. The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Foundation has generously funded this collection since its start.

The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (HMCPL) successfully completed the final round of Ready, Set, Kindergarten! (RSK) for the summer.

Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (HMCPL) wrapped up Summer Reading with their third annual Harry Potter Birthday Celebration! 
 
Every year at the end of July, the Downtown Huntsville Public Library invites patrons to celebrate the magical world of Harry Potter. Library employees don costumes and transform the Youth Services area into a Harry Potter extravaganza. Every year, community partners volunteer to help pull it off. This year, 29 volunteers from Mazda Toyota Manufacturing participated. With their combined efforts, the Downtown Huntsville Public Library welcomed 327 patrons! 

Adult programming at the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (HMCPL) seeks to create meaningful activities where adults can connect with their community members. One such program that has become popular among patrons is the recurring Wet-Felting Workshops at the North Huntsville Public Library (NHPL) Branch.

Driven by a similar purpose, award-winning textile artist and workshop instructor Kami Watson designed the class to share her craft and create a safe space for participants to explore creatively. With NHPL's help and a generous Verdant Fund grant, she brought her vision to life through free monthly workshops at the NHPL Makerspace Studio. 

Garden Rangers is a recurring youth program that spans the spring, summer, and autumn seasons. During this program, students learn about nature, build friendships, and acquire practical gardening knowledge. 
 
Once a month, grade-school students gather at the Madison Public Library for a short classroom lesson planned and taught by local Master Gardeners. Lessons focus on garden safety, plant care, and especially the importance of pollinator species for a successful garden and healthy environment. Occasionally, community partners, such as the Beekeepers group or guest Master Gardeners, are brought in to teach a lesson in their area of expertise.