Huntsville-Madison County Library Foundation

05/28/2026

What a night at the South Huntsville Public Library!

We had an incredible time welcoming bestselling author Ruta Sepetys to celebrate her new novel, A Fortune of Sand, and wow, did our community show up! More than 110 attendees joined us for an engaging evening of conversation. Thank you, Ruta, for stopping by the HMCPL while on your book tour!

A huge thank you to Library Foundation board member Jillian Miles Massey for doing such a wonderful job in conversation with Ruta. They talked about a wide range of topics, including the extensive research that goes into writing historical fiction and why Ruta is drawn to writing about underrepresented histories and people, bringing difficult moments in history to life in a compelling way.

05/27/2026

Thank You, Teen Volunteers!

About 50 incredible teen volunteers across the HMCPL system are helping make Summer Reading and library programs a success!

Pictured here are two teens who dedicate their time to the South Huntsville Public Library. We’re so thankful for their time, energy, and love for the library!

05/26/2026

Summer Reading at HMCPL has begun! 📚

This year’s theme, “Unearth a Story,” invites readers of all ages to uncover hidden histories, explore the past, and dig into a good book. Throughout the summer, library staff have designed programs that are both educational and fun for the whole family while also helping combat the “summer slide.”

Check out this story from WAFF 48 News featuring HMCPL Outreach Manager Jessica Lister sharing more about the program and why summer reading matters!

You can find all Summer Reading details and events at: https://hmcpl.org/summer

The Library Foundation is proud to support Summer Reading, and we are grateful to Alabama Pediatric Dental Associates & Orthodontics for their sponsorship of this year’s program!

https://www.waff.com/2026/05/25/students-face-summer-slide-school-lets-out/

Students around the county are out of school for the summer, but education officials warn that a lack of learning during the break can lead to the “summer slide.”

05/20/2026

Sold Out!
We’re one week away from an unforgettable evening with internationally acclaimed, #1 New York Times bestselling author Ruta Sepetys as we celebrate the launch of "A Fortune of Sand," a gripping Prohibition-era novel of glamour, ambition, and hidden secrets.

Ruta will be in conversation with Jillian Miles Massey, a Talent Development Consultant at Horizon Point Consulting, a Library Foundation board member, and a library advocate.

Tickets are limited. Don't miss out on this incredible event!
https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/GCZu6q0vW4yG9Y7Naz90Bg

05/18/2026

Join us for the Library Foundation’s 40th annual Vive le Livre on September 16, 2026!

We are thrilled to welcome bestselling author Mitch Albom as our keynote speaker for an unforgettable evening of books, community, and celebration in support of the Huntsville Madison County Public Library.

Proceeds benefit library programming, books and materials, digital services, and other vital resources that strengthen our community.

Sponsorships are available now! Don’t miss your chance to be part of this signature event: https://hmcpl.org/foundation/vive

Individual tickets will go on sale August 1st, but availability may be limited if sponsorships sell out first. So gather your book club, spouse, friends, family, or coworkers, and make plans to secure your sponsorship soon!

We are grateful for the continued partnership of our Presenting Sponsor, Redstone Federal Credit Union, and our Reception Sponsor, the James Cecil & Margaret G. Ashburn Foundation.

05/08/2026

There are so many amazing books coming out, and readers are eager to get their hands on them! But when a title suddenly takes off through a celebrity book club pick, social media buzz, or book-to-film adaptation, demand builds fast, and the wait begins.

HMCPL librarians work hard to keep up with demand, but they could use your help.

With a gift of $25, you can help add another copy of a high-demand title, giving more readers quicker access to the books everyone is talking about.

Interested in helping HMCPL Clear the Holds? Click below to learn more or make a donation today.
https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/Rf6ZXteBVwQ3wdc5FlOPnw

05/03/2026

What an incredible afternoon with Meg Shaffer! We had a packed house for a wonderful conversation celebrating her latest novel, "The Book Witch." Thank you to everyone who attended!

Meg shared how her favorite childhood books inspired both the plots and characters in her novels, describing "The Book Witch" as a love letter to readers and books. We loved hearing about her connection to Huntsville (she’s been to Space Camp twice!), her collaboration with her husband, Andrew Shaffer, who illustrates her books, and her growing collection of library cards. We're honored that she added an HMCPL card to her collection.

A special thank you to Meg and Andrew for their thoughtful gift to the library: a LeVar Burton-themed candle, a nod to his cameo in the novel as the Patron Saint of Book Witches.

04/29/2026

The HMCPL supports more than 40 book clubs, offering genres ranging from nonfiction and mystery to romance, classics, and more. There’s something for just about every kind of reader!

One of those groups, the Virtual Librarian Book Club (VLBC), meets online every Wednesday at 10 a.m. It started during the pandemic as a way for patrons to stay connected and share books during a time when in-person gatherings weren’t possible. Six years later, they're still meeting!

Every now and then, they meet in person, often over lunch, to catch up. Today was one of those days!

What began as books has grown into lasting friendships.

For more information about joining one of the many HMCPL book clubs, visit https://hmcpl.org/bookclubs

04/27/2026

Do you love books about books, cozy magic, a bit of whimsy, and stories that transport you completely? Then you don’t want to miss “An Afternoon with Meg Shaffer,” happening this Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Downtown Huntsville Public Library.

Join us as we celebrate Meg’s latest release, THE BOOK WITCH!

Proceeds benefit your library! Tickets available here: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/JS8bsudYt6EPf5hKuEumHA

Meg Shaffer is the USA Today bestselling author of The Lost Story and The Wishing Game, which was a Book of the Month finalist for Book of the Year, a Reader’s Digest Best Book of the Year, a Washington Post Best Book of the Year, and has been translated into 21 languages.

04/23/2026

🎉 Happy 5th Birthday to the North Huntsville Public Library! 🎉

It was a wonderful day celebrating this special milestone. We are grateful to the HMCPL staff, patrons, and the generous donors and supporters whose contributions helped make this branch possible.

Here’s to many more years of learning, connection, and remarkable experiences for all!