Book It to the Library: April Edition
Weekly Storytimes & Recurring Events
Baby Sign Storytime
BRANCH:Madison Public Library
TIME: Mondays @ 9:30am
AGES: (Birth – 18 months)
INFO: Caregivers & babies (up to 18 months) are invited to Madison Public Library for a special new baby signing storytime. Each child must be accompanied by an adult caregiver and RSVP is required. For more information contact Ms Rebecca (rdoom@hmcpl.org) 256-461-0046.
Story Time in Gurley
TIME: Wednesdays at 10:30 AM
BRANCH: Gurley Branch
AGES: Preschool
INFO: Join Mrs. Tina for stories, rhymes, songs, and a simple craft. For more information contact Mrs. Tina at 256-776-2102 or Twright@hmcpl.org
April 2 – Rhyme Time Fun; April 9 – Boxes; April 23 – Birds; April 30th – Spring on the Farm
Tuesday Tales
BRANCH: Eleanor Murphy Public Library
TIME: Tuesdays @ 10:30 am
AGES: 2-5
INFO: Join Ms. Haley for Preschool Story Time; each week has a new theme. We’ll read stories, sing songs and make a fun craft! For more information contact Ms. Haley @ 256-881-5620 or hwhaley@hmcpl.org
Rockin’ Storytime
BRANCH: Main Branch
TIME: Mondays & Tuesdays @ 9:15am
AGES: All ages welcome, preschool appropriate
INFO:You never knew storytime could be this awesome! Join us weekly on Mondays and Tuesdays at 9:15am as Miss Melissa rocks your storytime with cool books, kickin’ kids songs, rad rhymes, and puppets, too! We’ll wrap it all up with a themed craft. All ages are welcome. For more information contact Miss Melissa at 256-532-5949 or mshuman@hmcpl.org.
Tremendous Toddlers
BRANCH: Main Branch
TIME: Mondays @ 10:30am
AGES: Ages 2-3
INFO: Join us for Toddler Storytime! Each week we will explore 2-3 age appropriate books, fingerplays, and songs. These activities will help increase your two to three year old’s language skills and prepare them for preschool Storytime. The storytime will finish up with an easy to do craft, designed to strengthen motor skills.
For more information contact Miss Cassie at 256-532-5949 or cchenoweth@hmcpl.org.
Wiggles & Walking
BRANCH: Main Branch
TIME: Tuesdays @ 10:30am
AGES: 1-2 years
A fun, active storytime for babies who have begun walking and their caregivers. We’ll read – and sing – short books, share rhymes and songs, and play with the parachute! Stick around after storytime to play with toys from our special toy box. For more information contact Miss Annie at 256-532-5949 or amatthys@hmcpl.org
Music & Rhyme Time
BRANCH: Main Branch
TIME: Wednesdays @ 10:30am
AGES: Preschool
INFO: Research has shown early music experiences can have a significant impact on literacy, language, social, and math skills later in life. Join us as we experience sing alongs, musical instrument activities, rhythm & movement, and of course a musical story! For more information contact Miss Cassie at 256-532-5949 or cchenoweth@hmcpl.org.
LEGO Mania
BRANCH: Main Branch
TIME: Mondays @ 3:30pm
AGES: Lower elementary
INFO: The library will provide LEGOs, you provide the imagination! Chidren can build creations out of their wildest dreams. The library will put these creations on display for 1 week until the next LEGO Mania. For more information contact Miss Annie at 256-532-5949 or amatthys@hmcpl.org
Preschool Story Time
BRANCH: Monrovia Library
TIME: Mondays and Thursdays @10:30 a.m.
AGES: 0-5 years
Preschoolers from birth to five years old join Mandee for stories, songs, crafts and more. Themes this month include: Week 1 (March 31 & April 3) – Stories That Rhyme Week 2 (April 7 & 10) – Weather Week 3 (April 14 & 17) – Bunnies, Chicks, and Ducks Week 4 (April 21 & 24) – Earth Week Week 5 (April 28 & May 1) – Bugs. For more information contact mfarley@hmcpl.org or 256-489-3392.
Home School Story Time – Science of Teeth
BRANCH: Monrovia Library
TIME: Tuesday, April 1 @ 1:00 p.m.
AGES: Grades K-4
INFO: Home school story time enjoys stories, crafts and more at our home school story time. Sign up required. For more information contact chewitt@hmcpl.org or 256-489-3392.
Family Story Time
BRANCH: Eleanor Murphy Public Library
TIME: Saturday, April 5 @ 3:30pm
AGES: 2-5, whole family welcome
INFO: Can’t make it to story time during the week? Join Ms. Haley for a fun family story time; we’ll read books, sing songs, and do a fun craft! This month’s theme is all about bunnies.
Spanish/English Story Time
TIME: Saturday, April 19 @ 1:00 p.m.
BRANCH: Monrovia Library
INFO: Enjoy a cultural exchange for children of all ages as we share stories, songs and crafts in Spanish and English. For more information contact chewitt@hmcpl.org or 256-489-3392.
Bugs Bugs Bugs!
BRANCH: Monrovia
DATES: April 28 & May 1
INFO: They’re creepy. They’re crawly. They’re everywhere, even at storytime! Ms. Mandee has lots of stories to tell about bugs, and wants to share them with you! ! For more information, contact Mandee at mfarley@hmcpl.org or call the Monrovia Library at 256-489-3392.
Monthly & Weekly Library Clubs
Supernova Science Club
BRANCH: Eleanor Murphy Public Library
TIME: Thursdays @ 4:00 pm
AGES: K-5
INFO: Join Ms. Haley for hands-on science experiments and demonstration as we explore a new scientific topic each week! For a list of upcoming topics visit:
https://hmcpl.org/2013/12/supernova-science-club. Space is limited, to sign up email Ms. Haley at hwhaley@hmcpl.org or call 256-881-5620
Science Club
BRANCH: Main Branch
TIME: Tuesdays @ 3:30pm
AGES: Grades 3rd-5th
INFO: Learn more about the world around you! We will be conducting some easy and quick science experiments based on basic scientific principles. For more information contact Miss Lorena at 256-532-5949 or lgoss@hmcpl.org
Middle School Must Read Book Club
BRANCH: Gurley Branch
TIME: Monday, April 14th at 3:30 PM
INFO: Participate in the Huntsville Madison County Public Library’s community wide read this month by reading Gary Blackwood’s, “The Shakespeare Stealer”. Discussion and refreshments.
For more information contact Mrs. Tina at 256-776-2102 or Twright@hmcpl.org
Science Club: Fairy Dust Jars!
BRANCH: Main Branch
TIME: Tuesday, April 15th at 3:30pm
INFO: A special Science Club in the spirit of this year’s Community Wide Read, celebrating all things Shakespeare! Make fairy dust jars using small plastic containers, water, vegetable oil, dish soap, and glitter. For more information contact Miss Lorena at 256-532-5949 or lgoss@hmcpl.org
Garden Rangers
BRANCH: Madison Public Library
DATES: *April 21st (Monday) @ 3pm* (not on 1st Monday in April)
AGES: Ages K-5th
INFO: Attention school age kids! Want to help out in the garden and learn at the same time? In April, join us for a very special Garden Rangers where we’ll celebrate our beautiful planet! Toddlers & Preschoolers can join us from 3-4pm for planting and a take home craft. Garden Rangers (K-5th grades) will meet from 4-5pm to compost, plant, and work on a special take home project. For more information contact Miss Maggie (mallen@hmcpl.org) or 256-461-0046
Elementary Series Book Club
TIME: Monday, April 28th at 3:30 AM
BRANCH: Gurley Branch
INFO: Participate in the Huntsville Madison County Public Library’s community wide read this month by reading “Stage Fright on a Summer’s Night” by Mary Pope Osborne. Discussion,activities,and refreshments. For more information contact Mrs. Tina at 256-776-2102 or Twright@hmcpl.org
Special & Seasonal Library Events
Weather Week at Storytime
BRANCH: Monrovia
DATES: April 7 & 10
INFO: Ms. Mandee will teach preschoolers all about weather in a fun, engaging storytime for preschoolers and their caregivers. For more information, contact Mandee at mfarley@hmcpl.org or call the Monrovia Library at 256-489-3392.
Family Fun Night
TIME: Friday, April 11, from 6 to 9 p.m.
BRANCH: Main Branch
AGES: All ages
INFO: Bring your family and friends to Family Fun Night at the Main Branch of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library. The FREE after-hours program will include a family-friendly movie playing in the auditorium (7 to 9 p.m.), campfire story time with puppets and crafts for kids in the Youth Services area (6 to 7 p.m.), and board games for all ages (6 to 9 p.m.). Attendees are welcome to bring their own board games to share with new friends. The Food Fighters Bustaurant food bus will be onsite for meal purchases. To attend Family Fun Night, please bring an RSVP ticket for entrance into the building. Tickets are accessible online HERE. Each family will only need one ticket to enter.
For more information, please contact Connie Chow at cchow@hmcpl.org or call 256-532-5946.
Family Movie Night
BRANCH: Monrovia Library
TIME: Friday, April 11 @ 6:00 p.m.
INFO: Free movie, and 25 cent popcorn and drinks make this a family friendly evening out that everyone enjoys. Free tickets available each month at the circulation desk. For more information contact chewitt@hmcpl.org or 256-489-3392.
Showers Center Library 4th Annual Walk-A-Thon
TIME: Saturday, April 12 at 8:00 AM
BRANCH: Showers Branch
AGES: All ages
INFO: Walking is GREAT! So put on your walking shoes and join the Showers Center Friends of the Library on our 4th annual Walk-A-Thon. This is also a wonderful time to become a member of the Showers Center Friends of the Library. For more information, call the Showers Center Library at 256-851-7492.
Bouncing Bunnies Story Time!
BRANCH: Main Branch
TIME: Friday, April 18th at 3pm
INFO: Join Miss Annie and Miss Melissa for a hopping good time! We’ll read books about bunnies, sing songs, and interact with our bunny puppet. For more information contact Miss Annie at 256-532-5949 or amatthys@hmcpl.org
Easter Family Craft
BRANCH: Eleanor Murphy Public Library
TIME: Monday, April 14 @ 4:00pm
AGES: Family event, all ages welcome
INFO: Ms. Haley will show you how to make a 3D paper Easter egg. For more info
visit: https://hmcpl.org/2013/09/holiday-family-craft
Bunnies and Chicks and Ducks, Oh My!
BRANCH: Monrovia
DATES: April 14 & 17
INFO: It’s Spring, and that means seeing lots of cute fuzzy animals! Ms. Mandee is ready with stories, songs and crafts to celebrate spring. ! For more information, contact Mandee at mfarley@hmcpl.org or call the Monrovia Library at 256-489-3392.
Movie Time: “Gnomeo & Juliet”
TIME: Wednesday, April 16th at 3:30pm
BRANCH: Main Branch
INFO: Where for art thou, Gnomeo? Even the little ones can celebrate Community Wide Read with this playful spin on Shakespeare’s classic! For more information contact Miss Annie at 256-532-5949 or amatthys@hmcpl.org
Story Time: Easter Yellow!
TIME: Wednesday, April 16th at 10:30 AM
BRANCH: Gurley Branch
INFO: Join Mrs. Tina for stories, rhymes, songs, and a simple craft. For more information contact Mrs. Tina at 256-776-2102 or Twright@hmcpl.org
Egg Hunt in the Library!
TIME: Friday, April 18th at 3:30pm
BRANCH: Main Branch
INFO: Lots of eggs will be hidden in Youth Services. Can you find them? Join in on the springtime fun at your library! Don’t forget to bring your egg basket!
For more information contact Miss Annie at 256-532-5949 or amatthys@hmcpl.org
Earth Week
BRANCH: Monrovia
DATES: April 21 & 24
INFO: Love Mother Earth with a special storytime for preschool ages and an earth day craft, too! ! For more information, contact Mandee at mfarley@hmcpl.org or call the Monrovia Library at 256-489-3392.
Homeschool Jam
TIME: Monday, April 21 at 10:00 AM
BRANCH: Gurley Branch
INFO: Earth Day celebration with games, craft, and planting. For more information contact Mrs. Tina at 256-776-2102 or Twright@hmcpl.org
Spectacular Science Puppet Show!
TIME: Tuesday, April 22nd at 3:30pm
BRANCH: Main Branch
INFO: Join Youth Services and our puppet friend Albie the Scientist for a science-themed puppet show that’s out of this world! Robots, critters, inventors and more! There will also be a special Earth Day sing-along surprise! For more information contact Miss Annie at 256-532-5949 or amatthys@hmcpl.org
Teen Events
Teen Writing Group
BRANCH: Madison Public Library
DATES: 1st Thursdays @ 5:00 –April 3
INFO: Young aspiring writers will have the opportunity to gather with other wordy teens to share their pieces, complete writing challenges, and expand their wordsmith abilities. Writers are encouraged to bring pieces they’ve already written. This event is free, no RSVP required.
For more information contact Miss Doom (rdoom@hmcpl.org) or 256-461-0046
Based on a Book Movie Night: Warm Bodies
TIME: Thursday, April 10th at 4:30pm (TEENS)
BRANCH: Main Branch
Which was better…the book or the movie? Participate in the Community Read Program by watching and discussing Warm Bodies. Popcorn and drinks will be provided!
For more information contact Miss Melissa at 256-532-5949 or mshuman@hmcpl.org.
Fandom Fest
BRANCH: Madison Public Library
DATES: April 10th @ 5pm (2nd Thursdays @ 5 pm)
INFO: Here ye, here ye, all fans of anime and British TV! The Madison Library is bring back its Anime Club in a new and improved format. Join us the second Thursday of the month to enjoy and revel in various programs with dedicated fandoms, including but not limited to Doctor Who, Fullmetal Alchemist, Avatar, Sherlock, and Merlin! Snacks and beverages will be provided. No RSVP required. For more information, contact Doom (rdoom@hmcpl.org) 256-461-0046
Teen Night: Quotable Art
TIME: Monday, April 14 @ 6:30 p.m.
BRANCH: Monrovia Library
INFO: Hand paint quotes on canvas as part of our Shakespeare Community Wide Read. Sign up required. For more information contact mfarley@hmcpl.org or 256-489-3392.
Teen Fueled Art
BRANCH: Madison Public Library
DATES: 3rd Tuesdays @ 5:30pm- April 15
INFO: Delve into new creative projects each month. In April let your artistic soul be inspired by the words (quotes provided) of Williams Shakespeare. For more information contact Miss Maggie (mallen@hmcpl.org) or 256-461-0046
Tween/Teen/TAG and Anime Meet Tonite!
TIME: Tuesday, April 15th from 5:00-6:30 PM
BRANCH: Gurley Branch
INFO: Join us for a fun evening painting on canvas! For more information contact Mrs. Tina at 256-776-2102 or Twright@hmcpl.org
YA Book Club
BRANCH: Madison Public Library
DATES: 3rd Thursdays @ 5:00- April 17
INFO: Come out to our YA Book Club! We’ll enjoy books, discuss what elements make other books great or not so great reads, munch on snacks and choose a book for our next meeting. (For this month’s selection, contact Ms Rebecca!) No RSVP required, event is free.
For more information contact Miss Doom (rdoom@hmcpl.org) or 256-461-0046
Celebrate Teen Literature Day!
TIME: Thursday, April 17th at 4:30pm
BRANCH: Main Branch
INFO: Celebrate Teen Literature Day with special book-themed activities as well as a craft activity from the Community Read Program-“Totes with Quotes”. For more information contact Miss Melissa at 256-532-5949 or mshuman@hmcpl.org.
Totes with Quotes
BRANCH: Eleanor Murphy Public Library
TIME: Monday, April 21 @ 4:00pm
AGES: 11-18
INFO: Join us for a Big READ 2014 event. We’ll make Shakespeare themed totes bags.
Teen Pinterest Passion
BRANCH: Madison Public Library
DATE: 4th Tuesdays @ 6pm- April 22
INFO: In April, we’ll create specimens out of corks and wire that even the bard himself would approve of. RSVP required.
For more information contact Miss Maggie (mallen@hmcpl.org) or 256-461-0046.
Homework Haven
BRANCH: YA area, Madison Public Library
DATES/TIMES: Wednesdays and Thursdays; 4:00-6:00, *Special Session* – AP & Finals Prep
Wednesday, April 23rd @ 5pm
INFO: Need a place to study for that test? Missing that final bit of research for that project? Is it too noisy where you normally study? Head to the YA area of the Madison library to enjoy a low-key study area. Study music will play while you have a place to work on homework, projects, and pick up new study tips. There will be special monthly sessions to highlight different library services in resources. Those will take place in the meeting room. No RSVP required, and it is free to the public.
For more information contact Miss Doom (rdoom@hmcpl.org) or 256-461-0046
Gaming Unplugged!
BRANCH: Main Library
TIME: Thursday, April 24th at 4:30pm
AGES: Tweens & Teens
INFO: Yes, non-electronic games do exist! The Deep Comics and Games will be here with a wealth of board games for your gaming pleasure! Sponsored by Domino’s Pizza of Five Points.
For more information contact Miss Melissa at 256-532-5949 or mshuman@hmcpl.org
Teen Tinkers
BRANCH: Madison Public Library
DATE: Thursday, April 24 @ 5 pm (4th Thursdays)
INFO: Tinkering teens, travel to the library to test your talents toying with tidbits and things. This steampunk styled crafting hour will bring clockwork crafts and various Victorian ventures. No fee, but please, please, please RSVP. For more information, contact Doom (rdoom@hmcpl.org) 256-461-0046
Mandy Pinyan has been a passionate book lover from an early age, where being busted for bringing Stephen King to school (a book, not the guy) led to much reading by flashlight. She turned out okay. She is the Youth Services Coordinator and Manager of Outreach Services at the Huntsville Madison County Public Library Extension and Outreach Department, where she can be seen driving a Rainbow Van or a Bookmobile in between gigs. Mom to a tween, Adelyn and wife to a ruggedly handsome outdoorsman with an obsession with planting bamboo, Mandy finds enjoyment in painting, gardening and geeking out over various pop culture. A small menagerie of pets - dachshunds Matt Damon and Angel, kitty BB and Boston-Chihuahua-chupacabra mix Bailey just make the chaos complete.