Events

There’s a party bumping at HMCPL! Our Baby Rave program kicked off last October, inspired by the viral children’s dance parties happening in other cities. We have space ready at the library, we have plenty of patrons with children ready to dance, all we needed was a local DJ, fun lights, and as many glow sticks as we could get to throw a unique event for children and caregivers alike.

“The goal of Baby Rave is to offer a free, fun activity for the entire family,” said Jude Mathias, Youth and Teen Services Librarian at the Madison Public Library. “Caregivers dancing with their young ones is a great bonding opportunity, and the unique, trendy nature of Baby Rave brings lots of people to our library that otherwise might never have noticed us!”

Are you looking to take a break from the endless doomscroll of the Internet? You can make your digital detox fun and easy by attending some of our library events! We know the online world can be a scary place, and that’s why we’ve worked to create events and opportunities that everyone can engage with alongside other members of their community!

We love programs that bring people together over something they can all enjoy. That’s why we created Speed Friending and Game On! Mashup, which meets at Beer Hog once a month. This event creates that inviting space for people to turn off their devices, get off Instagram, and play some games while making some new friends!

In the month of February, Cavalry Hill Public Library created the program Melaninated Marvels to help fill a gap in the history being taught about Huntsville.

“A lot of times in history, we see the same few black people, but there are a lot of others who did some great stuff and didn’t get famous for it,” says Courtney Braggs, Branch Manager at Cavalry Hill Public Library. “It’s limiting to only acknowledge a few when so many have done things for you right here.”

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) 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.