By Michelle Blaylock

Library manager

William Bradford Huie Library of Hartselle

What do you think of when you think of the library?  Do you think of books, audiobooks or DVDs?  Yes, it is true. We do have books, about 30,000 of them.  We also have 835 DVDs and 620 audiobooks.  Since October we have added about 850 books and 47 DVDs. However, that is just the beginning of what we offer.

We provide patrons with the option of two digital platforms, Hoopla and Libby for digital books and audiobooks. Hoopla also has movies, music, television series and educational programing available for streaming on phones, tablets and some TVs.  Patrons can choose to use one or both of these platforms.  Libby provides up to ten checkouts per month, while Hoopla offers seven checkouts per month.  These platforms are available to anyone with a William Bradford Huie Library card.

We have a terrific story time for our pre-k children on Wednesday mornings.  Sarah Laughmiller does an amazing job planning these.  She picks out engaging books and combines them with an age appropriate activity.   Sarah also started a Children’s Book Club that meets on Thursday afternoons at 4 p.m.  This book club is geared for children in the third through fifth grades.  We have two painting classes each month one for kids ages 4-10 years old and one for adults.  Adults also have a book club led by Chrissy Tucker.

We also have free resources through the Alabama Public Library Service. Homework Alabama and Learning Express that offers ACT prep and AP test prep are available to students. Career prep resources including prep for tests in nursing, teaching, real estate, military, hospitality, cosmetology, CDL and more.  If you are interested in any of these or curious about other resources please stop by the library our librarians will be happy to help you.

We aren’t just about books!  We hope to see you soon at the library!