Until last year the last time I stepped into a library I was writing my last term paper.  Yes, I am aware this reveals my age because most students do research online now.  I remember checking out books when the card in the back  was stamped with the date in which it had to be returned, you learned to use the card catalog and the Dewey Decimal System ( I hyper-linked this for all you young whipper snappers), and computers were not even main stream yet.  If you are like me and this is how you remember your local library you may want to take an afternoon and check out the new and improved public library system because there is so much more to do and see there now.

Story Time!

I got back into visiting the library about a year ago when a Mommy friend told me about the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library’s different story time programs.  Before my oldest was in school full-time, he use to enjoy the preschool aged story time programs and recently I introduced my youngest, who is 22 months old, to Mother Goose Time.  She enjoyed it tremendously, not only because she loves books, but because she loves music and crafts as well.

That’s right, story time isn’t just about reading a book or two, several of the story time programs at the HMCPL involve music, crafts, puppet shows, movement, and more.

Getting Crafty

My daughter and I enjoyed the enthusiasm of Mrs. Betty Pate, at the Bailey Cove Branch, as she read two age appropriate books, lead the group in familiar songs like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” and taught us about the nocturnal habits of bats, not to mention how to count them.  After which we dove right into our craft, a paper bag bat puppet!

Just My Size

After the crafts we were able to take a look at all the books and puzzles, the play area, and the children’s computer area.  Everything was just the right size and interest for children.  My daughter and I can’t wait to go back.  And the best part of the day was the entire event was totally FREE, and y’all know I am all about a deal!

So head out to your local library, you might just be surprised that the building has more inside than just books!

Upcoming Events at the Library

The various branches of the Library have events year round for kids and adults. Here’s what’s coming up at Baily Cove, my favorite branch, in June and July.

• Mother Goose Time  – Wednesday at 10:30 am & Thursday at 9:15 am – Ages 0-3
• Book Buddies – Wednesday at 9:15 am & Thursday at 10:30am – Ages 3-5
• Junior Readers – Thursday at 2:00 pm – 1st – 3rd grade
• Friday Fun and Games – Friday at 2:00 pm – School Age
• Family Movie Day – Tuesday at 2:00pm June 5 – July 17 – Popcorn & Lemonade!
• Monster Puppet Show – June 27 at 9:15 am & 10:30am and June 28 at 9:15 am & 10:30 am
• Night Animal Puppet Show – July 11 at 9:15 am & 10:30am and July 12 at 9:15 am & 10:30 am

For more on Huntsville Madison County Public Library activities in your area of the valley, please see the Our Valley Events Calendar!