The Inside Scoop

There is no need to have an expensive adventure to have fun, in fact your local libraries have tons of activities for little kids. Instead of wasting your brain cells on video games, have your kids soak up fascinating history, interesting facts or reading something stimulating and creative. I myself find the library as a great alternate place to do research, especially if you need to find a quiet place. Many libraries have tutoring, book reading and fun activities such as treasure hunts, board games and trivial quizzes. Below is a list of my Top and Favorites libraries in the local area.

Libraries in Huntsville and the Surrounding areas

#1 Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library is probably the nicest library in the state of Alabama, if not a close second. It is the oldest public library system in Alabama, originally founded in 1818 - obviously it has gone through many restorations and moved into newer buildings through the years. The library has over half-a-million books, digital collections and other resources in their facility. They offer a lot of services such as free GED tutoring, job training, computer classes, private room reservations and social services.

Website: HSV Library

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#2 Madison Public Library

Madison library is another beautiful facility as they have recently moved from an older building. The library offeres a great children’s play area with a neat puppet show house. This has its benefits but the area can get a bit noisy at times. They also offer a lot of resources to the local public which includes: free Wi-Fi, laptop checkout, meeting room reservation, scanning services and vending cafe.

Website: Madison Librar

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#3 Bailey Cove Library

Since this is the closest library to my home, it is by far my favorite to visit – perhaps I am a bit bias. It is not the biggest library in Madison County but they are in the middle of relocating down the street to the old Grissom High School. This should more than double their space and should make this library a close second in terms of size within the county. They are part of the Huntsville-Madison Public library system and rotates their collection on a routine basis.

Website: Baily Cove Library

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#4 Salmon Library

Salmon library is part of the UAH facility. They offer reference services, instruction sessions, group study rooms, A/V areas, and printing. Student complain about the poor parking, but you can say this about most college campuses. This library is my high school student’s favorite library in the area.

Website: Salmon Library

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#5 Athens - Limestone Public Library

Athens library is large and an exciting library with many fantastic on-line programs. Ancestry.com is available for use online at their facility. For auto repairs, Chilton.com is available with easy-to-follow, step-by-step repair guidance on thousands of cars and trucks from 1940 to the present. For kids ages 2-8, the library offers ABCmouse.com, an award-winning learning program that covers reading, math, art, music, and more.

Website: Athens Library

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#6 Decatur Public Library

Decatur is another nice facility, offering story reading for the young children, free tax services, computer training, job search and programs for your young teens.

Website: Decatur Library

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#7 Monrovia Public Library

Monrovia Public Library is also part of Huntsville-Madison County Public Library system offering numerous resources on a rotating schedule. It is located between the Monrovia Community Center and Phillips Ball Park. The library is very popular among the local community and offers a lot of great online services such as: Overdrive (a free eBook downloading), Freegal (a music library) and Hoopla (digital movies, music and TV for phones or desktop). They also offer computer classes, workforce development, senior services, youth outreach and legal aid services.

Website: Monrovia Library

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#8 Triana Public Library

This is small branch library, part of Huntsville-Madison County Public Library system offering numerous resources on a rotating schedule. They offer free movies checkouts, remote computer classes, copying and printing, free Wi-Fi and digital books, downloading and music.

Website: Triana Library

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#9 Eleanor E Murphy Library

This is a small library also part of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library system offering numerous resources on a rotating schedule. They are conveniently located off South Memorial Pkwy. They have a children’s librarian offering story reading, science club, crafts, and writing groups. For adults they offer craft workshops, book clubs and your normal printing, Wi-Fi and scanning services.

Website: Eleanor E Murphy Library

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#10 Cavalry Hill Public Library

Cavalry Hill Public Library is a great small library also part of the Huntsville-Madison County Library System. Staff is very friendly and will go out of their way to help. They are one of the few libraries that have a 3-D printer.

Website: Hill Public Library

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#11 Redstone MWR Library

Located on Redstone Arsenal. They offer a good selection of movies and books.

Website: Redstone MWR Library

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#12 Eva B. Dykes Library

This library is named after Eva B. Dykes, the first African-American woman to complete the requirements for the degree in the United States. The libraries mission is to provide access to scholarly resources, instruction, and services.

Website: Eva B. Dykes Library

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Any question or need further information? Send me a note.