Reviews of Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (Library)

Jeanne

Great library

Simeon

If you can't find a book at the Madison only library, you can probably find it here. The computer system makes it a lot easier to find books on your own and check them out. They also have computers to use with decently fast internet. When I only had dialup, I used to upload videos to YouTube here.

Mongolian Pete

A homeless guy taught me how to read! Now I know my alphabet, my numbers and a healthy meth habit.

Brian Siegel

Nice quite place to relax to read or use computer. Nice staff.

James Burton

Great people and resources, but the facility really needs some major remodeling and upgrading (especially the bathrooms, ugh). I know doing that kind of thing is going to really tie up the facility even more in the short term, and that that work won't be very "fun" or "interesting", but if they don't start doing it now, it's going to take more work later. If they don't do it now, when will they do it? P.S. They also need to do something about the central open "shaft" area. It looks great, and I love the idea, but it broadcasts any noise from the circulation desk throughout the whole library (especially kids voices!)

Robin S Taylor

Sorry I pushed the wrong star! Staff have always been very helpful to this LOL. I corrected the star. I have bought mind candy in the Friends room. Researched records and accessed Internet upstairs. The. worst aspect is the lack of parking or accessible transit to the library.

Robert Rivera

It's been a while since I've visited such a big and awesome library! Close to downtown Huntsville. Pros: - Centrally located - Good. Parking - Plenty of different sitting environments - Internet Access - Quiet and very little noise or distractions Cons: - Very slow Internet Access. Almost useless!

Magnolia Watkins

I love meeting my friend at the library and hanging out.

Anissa Graham

The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library system offers something for everyone! I've visited several branches throughout the system, and without fail, the staff has been welcoming and helpful. I love that our libraries are able to offer the community opportunities to interact with local authors, to meet with other book lovers, and to support children's literacy. The library also embraces other media with their film series and concerts. In an age where the media trots out the notion that libraries and books are dead and gone, our library makes it quite clear that the community of readers is a vibrant and healthy one.

Computer inspector

very nice staff and very help fully over all with friendly faces.

Jamie Dodson

The Huntsville Branch of the Huntsville-Madison Library is a magical place for young and old alike. The staff is friendly and is only too happy to assist you to find the perfect read, movie, or music. They host wonderful community events such as movies theme night, writer’s groups, and nationally renowned author talks. Our community is well served and richer for the tireless efforts of the library staff very day.

Lesia Flynn

I have a love affair with libraries. Whenever I travel or relocate to new parts of the country, the local library is one of my first places to explore. I have seen many, used almost as many, from California to Louisiana, Utah to Washington and umpteen in between. Although they all have somewhat the same mission in mind, each and every one of them is unique in their diversity of offerings and collections. Huntsville Madison County Public Library (HMCPL) is no different. They stand tall as a community center offering education, entertainment, computer access, programming for all ages, and so much more. They are certainly a hub of information and enjoyment for all ages. And best of all? A library card at HMCPL is free! (They aren’t everywhere.) As a lover of libraries, when I moved to Huntsville, not only did I explore the library as a reader but I took a leap and applied for a job there too. It was a great way to for me to saturate myself in the local culture and learn more of what Huntsville is all about. I enjoyed every minute of my employment with them and gained invaluable training that I still use today. So, I say Yes! To HMCPL. If you too are looking for a place full of adventure or accelerated growth, try HMCPL. With twelve branches, surely there is one close to you!

Star Bradley

Nice and polite staff

Robert Hardy

Great place! I tweeted that you couldn't pay fines online they saw my tweet and responded that they were working on it.

Kat Winkler

nice library

Britney K

This library is AMAZING!!! My 12year old son and I were in awe when we first arrived to the building. We ended up spending TWO HOURS here!! We just moved to the area and it's so awesome to know that there is such a wonderful library to go to. So much history all in one place! Everyone was so helpful and very nice. Today we received our library cards and there was also a ¢.25 book sale happening! You can also do your ancestry family tree in the heritage room! Five stars all day long :)

Jennifer Garlen

The Huntsville Library is a wonderful resource for many different segments of our local community. As a homeschooling parent, I enjoy the many programs that the library offers for children, including book fairs and special events like the My Little Pony artist visits. As a genealogist, I have spent many, many hours in the library's special archives, where I can get access to all kinds of state histories and records. As a volunteer with LearningQUEST, I appreciate the library's investment in lifetime learning programs for seniors, and as a film blogger I love their free movie screenings. Our library system provides so much more than just books for our community; they provide us with tools to nurture curious, active minds that are engaged in all kinds of intellectual pursuits. No matter what you're interested in, the Huntsville Library probably has something for you!

Mary Uebel

One of the best libraries I have ever been to. An amazing selection, amazing staff

Holly McLoughlin

The HMCPL is one of the bedrocks of Huntsville. I should know -- I'm the rarest of all Southern birds, a native Huntsvillian, and I've used the library about once a week for the last 30 years. The children's librarians were there when I toddled in with my Grandma to look at picture books, and the library has been hugely influential in my life from that day to this. The staff care about their patrons, even though they're like schoolteachers in being paid a fraction of what they're worth. Last month I stopped by a branch I hadn't been to in over two years, but everyone still remembered me by name. Especially impressive has been the way the library has democratized the use of technology for everyone. From the time the library went to a computerized card catalogue and they helped me learn to look up what I needed that way to the present, they've patiently led the way for this right-brainer to learn the world of technology. There were times in my young adulthood when I couldn't afford a computer, and the library was right there to make sure I had internet access. In the past couple of years, I've suffered a major hearing loss, and the library staff have worked with me to make sure I could still access every part of the library's services. People who grow up in Huntsville have been known to complain about many aspects of our city -- I certainly do -- but the library (especially its staff) is the best of the very best about living here. If ever I am granted Harry Potter's magic wand, I will double their funding. Duplicare pecuniam!

Beck McDowell

Our library is wonderful. There's always a vibrant feel any time I enter the door - with used books for sale, posters announcing upcoming events for all ages, displays of new books, and lots of conversations about reading taking place. When I'm traveling, I swing by on my way out of town for audio books for the car and the latest novels to read in my hotel room. The staff is incredibly helpful, and they never make me feel they don't have time for me - although it's easy to see how busy they are with all the many activities there. When I taught school, I met my student there each year to get them started on research papers, and there were always lots of materials and plenty of assistance. Readers of Huntsville are very fortunate!

Beka W.

Never setting foot in the Main branch again! Third time in six weeks items I returned correctly managed to not get checked in. And this time when I tried to fix the problem they were so rude about it and acted like it was my fault and I'd lost the item!

AnnMarie Martin

When a biography was written on my great great grandfather who once lived in Huntsville and was mayor here, the author wanted to come to Huntsville to promote his book. I contacted the Huntsville Madison County Public Library and they handled everything. Not only did they arrange for him to meet in the library but they coordinated the function with Alabama A&M University so they could be a part of everything. The function went off without a hitch and all the complements in the world could not describe the success of the library's effort.

Cullen Brown

Rude and unhelpful

Heather Hopkins

I wish the library were truly for the public. Not everyone can pay fees to use the library, and not everyone has a government issued picture in order to qualify for access to the internet. I also wish HMCPL were more understanding about making terminated employees eligible for enemployment benefits - I find it off that no one I have met who was terminated qualified - regardless of the reason they were told they were being let go. Maybe someday the library will become concerned with helping the public - rather than inpressing the city council and Old money in Huntsville. Bigotry and class systems are not what A public library is about 25th Anniversary of Vive le Livre! Submitted by amartin on August 29, 2011 The treasured 25th anniversary of the Huntville Library Foundation's gala event will feature award-winning author Scott Turow. Thursday, November 3 will mark the 25th Anniversary of 'Vive le Livre', featuring a cocktail hour, dinner reception, keynote address and book signing by best-selling author and attorney Scott Turow. Turow is the author of nine best-selling works of fiction, including his first novel, Presumed Innocent (1987) and the sequel, Innocent, published by Grand Central Publishing in May 2010. 25th Annual Vive Le Livre Thursday, November 3, 2011 Von Braun Center North Hall Scholar Level $150 Tickets - includes cocktail hour, dinner reception, keynote address and book signing. Bibliophile Level $100- includes dinner reception, keynote address and book signing. Sure - that serves the public

Shannon Norwood

Most outdate movie selection I have seen in over 5 Alabama libraries. No one greets you and you will definitely have to ask for help if you need it, employees are apparently to busy to be of assistance. Gonna drive farther to other branches and hope for a better experience. Sad, largest library I have been to but most outdated and impersonal.

Ashley Watkins

Love this library! I come here often, 3 or 4 times a week. Great staff, friendly and very knowledgeable.

brady kirby

Huntsville Madison county public library is a awesome place to go and not only participate in activities but also to see friends and just hang out around a peaceful environment. The librarians are so respectful and do everything to help.

Christine Sanders

LOVE this Library!

olivia B

I love this library, been coming here my whole life and it's always been amazing, plus they are always adding new things. Very organized, very clean, and has a great staff. My personal fav is the newer comic section, the guy who is in charge of comics/graphic novels does an amazing job.

Dee Hensley

My grandkids have always loved story time and I have brought all of them thru the years my last 2 are coming now and even thou there was a change in the story readers we are crazy about the young lady on Tuesday and the young lady in Wednesday. They make the stories come alive for the kids!!!

Stephenie Walker

Today I took my sons to the DiscoverTech exhibit that has been visiting the Huntsville Public Library and I was very impressed! The different stations that made up the exhibit were wonderfully interactive, and my boys had a quality hands-on experience there. My only regret was that we didn't get over there sooner to enjoy it longer. I hope the library will get more of these kinds of temporary exhibits in the future - it really enhances the already-exemplary youth services area.

Kay Campbell

One of the best, most active libraries in the state. Great collections, from kids' to archives.

Dm Kirwin

Thank you for being there. You guys might not here that enough. :)

Gia Lollobrigida

People don't realize what an incredible resource this system provides. I love being able to get on the computer, find books, & they will be waiting on a shelf for me when I pop in. As a Friend of the Library, I love getting email notifications of due items. I love the classes; I got up-to-date on my computer skills, & I enjoy all the workshops. I even utilize it for meeting space as well. I LOVE HUNTSVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY!

Joel Hastings

Very nice. Online books are great!

Arnita Cole

When I moved to Huntsville, Alabama the first thing I did was look for a library. The library in my hometown in Illinois was my second home. The main Library did not disappoint. I enjoy the events and live music.

Amanda Pruitt

I'm not to fond of this library, the elevators have been broken for about 3 months and if u have to use the computers, the copiers the employees have to make it a point to do it for you, they act like you can't do it on your own. The employees on the second floor are very rude! And the picture I seen of what the lobby looks like so not true!

Barbara Kammerud

Huntsville Public Library is a gem among libraries all across our great country. I have had the good fortune to live in many areas of the United States, from the east coast to the west coast and from the Canadian border to Alabama and points in between. I can honestly say our library, here in Huntsville, is first rate. My children were regulars at the library storytime and learned that reading opened the doors to all kinds of possibilities. They were regular patrons of the library and the programs the library offered for the younger set. As they grew, the library became a resource for research papers and many other school projects. Helping in that process was a dedicated staff whose goal was to provide the materials that were needed to accomplish their assignments and provide an interesting, positive and informative experience for these young learners. When you think of libraries, you first think of books. Our library is so much more. Besides offering the community access to technology and the training to use it, there are videos, music, the Heritage Room that offers geneology research, a department for the visually and physicaly handicapped, and if our library doesn't have the material you need they are most willing to search for it through the interlibrary loan program. I have been a patron of the library for many years and am always amazed at the quality and diversity of programs the library offers the community. They offer all of this on a shoestring budget, but with a smile on their face and a willingness to help that goes above and beyond the call of duty. Our library ranks #1 in the state for circulation, reference inquiries, patron visits and volunteer hours. In fact, HMCPL's volunteer hours are much greater than the combined hours of the next three systems below it. Volunteers support an organization that is doing things right. This year I have the privilege of serving as the president of LearningQUEST, a 501(c)3 non-profit organizaation promoting lifelong learning for adults of all ages. We are partenered with the library and most of our courses and programs meet at the library. It is such a deligth to work with the library staff and be a part of such a dynamic organization. My hat is off to the library staff and their willingness to help all who enter the library's doors. Keep up the good work you are so famous for providing to our community.

Sam Tumminello

Main Library I sincerely appreciate the wonderful library our county and city officials provide the citizens. I delight seeing people and especially children using the facility and am so pleased with the excellent educational opportunities there. It reminds me of this quote from Confucius: “If your plan is for one year plant rice. If your plan is for ten years plant trees. If your plan is for one hundred years educate children.” I like to think of it as a repository of the knowledge of the community. I started using our public library years ago when it was in the famous Carnegie building once located on Madison Street. I continue to be amazed at the changes in available media and services our modern library offers all our citizens since that old library. As a child, I was happy with the old card catalogs and books available. Now I marvel at all the amazing advances offered in our library today; and it keeps advancing. I rarely have a week pass when I don’t visit it at least once. Almost every time I travel to another city, I often seek out the public library. I do photography and find the library is often the best starting place for local information. So I know a bit about other libraries. I find many are very nice but our Huntsville Library often excels over many of those I’ve visited. I appreciate the knowledgeable and professional staff and administrators. Huntsville is very fortunate to have these people. I especially appreciate these: the audio-visual department with its large collection of DVD and CD’s; the excellent reference materials and computer access on the second floor; the comprehensive historical and genealogical records and experts on the third floor “Heritage Room, not to mention the effective electronic catalog system that’s even searchable from home. Thank you, Madison County and Huntsville, for sustaining this important quality of life opportunity for all its citizens.

Liz Love

I'll review this later, but theres a really neat expedition at the library this month. Snoopys NASA Mission and the books that went along with it.

Tammy Hoskins

The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library system has many branches, and each branch offers a variety programs designed to satisfy library users of all ages. The branch my family frequents the most is the Bailey Cove branch. We love the cozy and friendly atmosphere; my children enjoy the puppet stage. We often use the main branch, particularly Friends of the Library, and we enjoy the various services and programs provided at that site. We have recently enjoyed the community-wide read of the books by Arthur Conan Doyle. It is exciting to be part of such a large book club. We have also enjoyed the Shelock Holmes film series offered at the main branch. I hope HMCPL continues to feature classic authors, enlightening our community by encouraging everyone to explore authors and literature from the past.

Ashley White

Great place to take the kids and do awesome crafts with the kids, also many things to do with friends and family....

James Bennett

I've been a patron of the main branch library since I was a small child. First it's one of the coolest, well designed buildings in Huntsville. I love coming here just to surf the web or read. Great selections of movies, music, audio books and graphic novels. Love this library so much!!