Sweet Homes in Alabama...Part 1

Yes, you are special and you are loved.

This week I visited the great state of Alabama and was lucky enough to visit two libraries who serve a relatively small collection of patrons with big hearts. It was difficult for me to visit Alabama with the intention of enjoying myself because I grew up in Louisiana and the Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers football team - for all their on and off the field antics - is still my home team. So, visiting the state of their rivals, the University of Alabama Crimson Tide, and finding not only one, but TWO libraries that have more community spirit than a cheerleading summer camp, was a startling surprise.

Guntersville Public Library (GPL)

The Guntersville Public Library (www.guntersvillelibrary.org) is located within walking distance from excellent boating, fishing, eating, and entertainment in the heart of Guntersville, Alabama. Situated on a small hill, the library exudes a "Welcome Home" feel. The building itself is one level and reminds me of the libraries I grew up in. I visited GPL because not only does the library offer e-book access through the popular library program Libby, by Overdrive, but they also offer library cards to out of town patrons for a one-time $5 fee. Yes, you read that right (their card policy here). By paying $5 to the library, presumably so they can increase their collections and programs, I gained access to 41,000 new eBooks and audiobooks with titles like:

• "The Gate Thief" by Orson Scott Card
• "The Amish Cookie Club" by bestselling author Sarah Price, and
• "The LEGO(R) Movie: Awesome Adventures" picture book by Helen Murray

But what surprised me more than all the cool items in their online collection, was the librarians' dedication to their community. I spoke with three staff members during my visit and each provided me an insight into the attitude, spirit, and love they have for the people they serve. For example, the Assistant Director was eager to wait upon me and my request for a library card. True, the library was not busy during my visit, but they had just completed an event where more than 100 children were present for more than two hours, and the library staff still smiled...and joked...and were genuinely interested in meeting someone new to their town. Most every parent I know cringes at the idea of watching 10 or fewer children at a single time, never mind 100+.  For multiple staff members to be personable, professional, and respectful during one of their more stressful days was…welcoming.

If you ever have an opportunity to visit the Guntersville Public Library, perhaps:

• to peruse their awesome graphic novel collection
• doing some free genealogy research through their Ancestry, MyHeritage, FamilySearch, and local newspaper partnerships (more information here), or
• picking up a library card of your own (remember, the money is for a good cause!)

then try and meet LeighAnn Laney and Carol Vinzant. They will make you feel at home. For more information about GPL, please visit their webpage, like their Facebook, and follow them on Twitter and Pinterest.

Look for the next post where I discuss the second library that treated me like a friendly neighbor, the Boaz Public Library in Boaz, Alabama.

You've made this day a special day, by just your being you. There's no person in the whole world like you; and I like you just the way you are – Fred Rogers