New South Huntsville Library Opens and the Children’s Area is Out of this World!
- 7901 Bailey Cove Road, Huntsville
- Hours: Monday - Thursday 9 a.m. - 8 p.m . | Friday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. |Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
- Amazing new facility with cutting edge amenities
+7 New South Huntsville Library Opens and the Children’s Area is Out of this World!
New South Huntsville Library Opens and the Children’s Area is Out of this World!
New South Huntsville Library Opens and the Children’s Area is Out of this World!
New South Huntsville Library Opens and the Children’s Area is Out of this World!
New South Huntsville Library Opens and the Children’s Area is Out of this World!
New South Huntsville Library Opens and the Children’s Area is Out of this World!
New South Huntsville Library Opens and the Children’s Area is Out of this World!
New South Huntsville Library Opens and the Children’s Area is Out of this World!
New South Huntsville Library Opens and the Children’s Area is Out of this World!
New South Huntsville Library Opens and the Children’s Area is Out of this World!
New South Huntsville Library Opens and the Children’s Area is Out of this World!
New Libraries in North and South Huntsville Open
Huntsville got itself two new libraries this year, one in North Huntsville and one in South Huntsville and both were quite the talk of the town among Rocket City Parents. Sallie Keene, with young daughter in tow, got a sneak peek of the South library and their Reel for the article is beyond adorable.
It’s here! It’s finally here!!! The wait is over, the South Huntsville Library is open! The brand new 30,750 square foot library is full of amazing features and the staff is ready to serve you and help you select your next read. Part of the Sandra Moon community complex, formerly the location of Grissom High School, this brand new building combines the Eleanor Murphy and Bailey Cove branches of the Huntsville Madison County Public Library.
The $9.5 million project includes a bookstore-style floor plan, private study rooms, an indoor fireplace for cozy reading, a maker space studio and so much more! The separate children’s library makes this the perfect spot to bring your Rocket City Kids to enjoy storytime in the children’s garden or the puppet theater, and explore a great selection of books.
What’s new and different
The biggest change comes in the amount of space and state-of-the-art facilities. With much more square footage, the South Huntsville Library branch of the HMCPL will be a hub for families, students, and readers of all walks. Not only does the larger space holds amenities like outdoor seating, a tween/teen gaming center, Friends of the Library bookstore, and HATCH cafe but the combined collections from Eleanor Murphy and Bailey Cove means a much larger collection of books to choose from. You can view a full list of amenities here. The name of the branch is also new, South Huntsville Public Library, invoking a sense of the greater community.
Children’s amenities at South Huntsville Library
My daughter and I frequented the Bailey Cove branch weekly; needless to say, we were thrilled to explore the expanded kid’s section of the library. Upon arrival, you can enter the main library spaces or turn the corner to a separate entrance for the children’s library. Bright colors, a galactic mural, and a larger-than-life rocket ship greet you as you enter a space primed for kids to explore and read!
All the bookshelves are low height, perfect for little hands. The computers in the technology hub have kid-friendly games plus spaces for older kids to check out laptops and work. A special maker studio, just for kids, is located within the children’s library. This will be a space for kids to come in, craft, use puzzles and board games, and join the S.T.E.A.M Clubs the library offers.
The children’s section has two librarians. Miss Haley, will head the science clubs, and Miss Betty is most excited about the permanent puppet theater and was excited to share all about the upcoming shows. Check the website for dates; next up will be a fun puppet show for Halloween! You do not want to overlook the Children’s Garden- a lovely green space with plots of plush grass and benches, perfect for relaxing outside or getting some wiggles out! The library plans to host storytime out there when the weather cooperates.
This space also features a mother’s room and a family bathroom equipped with a changing table. Many staging areas are located throughout the children’s library. These are spaces to park a stroller or stop for a minute to get that diaper bag/backpack/purse situation in check.
For parents, new release books are located near the entrance to the library. The staff staged books on cooking, parenting, and celebrations near the children’s section. These books will be easily accessible when you have a stroller full of kids in tow, mama needs a book too.
Story Times at South Huntsville Library
Begins Wednesday, September 29th
Tuesdays and Wednesdays Storytime:
SHV Mother Goose Storytime (0-3 years)
9:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.
SHV Book Buddies Storytime (3-5 years)
10:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Teens/Tweens
For teen and tween patrons, there is a gaming lounge. The gaming lounge will include a 75-inch tv, Xbox, plus a variety of curated games. There are spots for teens to work on their laptops in the lounge. The Young Adult section has an area for tabletop gaming, books, and graphic novels that cater to the age group.
HATCH
HATCH- Huntsville’s new hospitality workforce training program, will be opening a cafe in the new library. HATCH cafe plans to open on September 29th. With its own entrance from the south side of the building plus a walk-up window and extended morning hours, this will be the perfect stop for commuters. The Creative Commons space opposite the HATCH cafe will house rotating art exhibits, live music, and a variety of creative endeavors and events.
South Huntsville Library amenities
With the pandemic in mind, most surfaces are wipeable, cleanable, and currently there are masking policies in place. The library also features an automatic book return and book sorter that helps get titles back out on the shelves quicker! Vaulted ceilings bring natural light, while multiple cozy seating options create spaces for patrons to sit and read. Lining the perimeter is a multitude of study rooms and classrooms available for patron use. The classrooms are available to the community as a rental space for events.
The Studio
The Studio is a fully equipped maker’s studio. It features a 3D printer, X Carve machine, Cricut, Sewing Machine, and other items used in studio arts. Check the website for class times or to make an appointment with Jake, the Makerspace Specialist.
Patsy, the head librarian, was generous with her tour and information. The staff at the South Huntsville Library want the community to feel welcomed and seen when they arrive. The new library invites patrons to come in, grab a coffee, read a book and spend some time with their fellow citizens. Patsy shared with me about the complex namesake, Sandra Moon. She was a former city council member for the South Huntsville district, a mentor to the current district representative, Jennie Robinson, and an advocate for libraries. This library would make her proud.
South Huntsville Library Details
Address: 7901 Bailey Cove Road, Huntsville (Map)
Phone: 256-881-0257
Hours:
Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m .
Friday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
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