Kid Stuff

Kids can have library cards, too! And September is the perfect time to get one for the younger members of the family because it's National Library Card Sign-Up Month. And it's easy! Just bring your official picture ID, proof of address, and your child to the Circulation Desk at the Hoover Public Library.

Kids with library cards can:
1. Check out books, audiobooks, movies, music CDs, video games, CD-ROMs, magazines, and puppets.
2. Learn responsibility, such as making book choices, keeping track of important dates, and taking care of property.
3. Be the proud owner of the most important school supply.

If you have any questions about getting a library card for yourself or your child, visit our website for more information.  

Well, the stats are in!  Now we know why the shelves were so empty and the parking lot was so full this summer. 

Make a Splash Children's Summer Reading 2010
We registered 4,606 children, a 5% increase from 2009.
We also had 13,863 people attend 49 programs in just 8 weeks.

Make Waves Teen Summer Reading 2010
We registered 1,155 teens, a 15% increase from 2009.
We also had 406 teens attend 8 programs.

Those numbers are astronomical, but seem tiny compared to the next statistic.  During the months of June and July, the Hoover Public Library circulated 159,473 children's/teen items.  No wonder we're tired and taking a programming break this August!  But don't worry--there's tons of fun on the way this fall.  Want a sneak peek?  Check out the Kid Zone Events page and the Teen Spot Events page.

Haven't been able to make it to the beach this summer?  No problem!  Just come to our Beach Party Bash this Saturday, July 17 at 10:30 am!  There may not be sand and surf, but you'll feel like you're having fun in the sun!  There are games using beach balls, pails, shovels, and flamingos.  And don't forget the flip-flop frame craft!  Plus enjoy some tropical snacks that will transport you to the islands. 

If you plan to don your flip-flops and join the fun, just let us know!  You can call 444-7833 to make your reservations. 

Your favorite summer performer, Roger Day, is coming back to the Hoover Public Library!  Roger will be rocking out at five shows in The Library Theatre:

Tuesday, July 13 at 10:30 am, 1:30 pm, 6:30 pm
Wednesday, July 14 at 10:30 am, 1:30 pm

If you've been to one of his shows before, you know that he is extremely popular.  This means that the parking lot will be very full and the theatre will be very crowded.  To make sure you don't miss any of the fun, please get here early.

Never seen Roger Day before and want to see what all the fuss is about?  Check out his website!

Ironman is coming to the Hoover Public Library! He will be here at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 26, posing for pictures and signing autographs in the Kid Zone.  So put on your superhero gear and head to the library for a morning of games and crafts inspired by our special guest.

We received 49 wet 'n wild entries for our 2010 Make a Splash! Summer Reading Art Contest this year.  You can see the sixteen winning entries, listed below, in the Children's Art Gallery along the starred hallway during the months of June and July.  Check out all the entries on our website.

Aundrea Alexander, 9 years old
Amit Banga, 5 years old
Niharika Burugapalli, 2nd grade
Anna Campbell, 1st grade
Jonathan Chang, 2nd grade
Christian Gentile, 3rd grade
Camden Gray, 2 years old
Bethany Kendrick, 3rd grade
Cheryl Kaye Marshall, 5 years old
Sophia Rabbideau, 4 years old
Ashley Thompson, 13 years old
Anton Timares, 1st grade
Caroline & Ian Wiggins, 5 & 2 years old
Zach Williamson, 5th grade
Jack Young, 5th grade
Anastasia Zellner, 4th grade

There are no children's or teen programs during the month of May.  Why?  Because we are getting geared up for another fantastic season of Summer Reading!  You can start registering for the reading portion of Make a Splash @ Your Library (for kids birth - rising 5th grade) and Make Waves @ Your Library (for rising 6th -12th grade) on MONDAY, MAY 17.  Kids programming, including puppet shows, animal shows, magic shows, rock concerts, and storytimes, begin on TUESDAY, JUNE 1.  Teen events, including Battle of the Teen Bands, sand art, and slime, begin on SATURDAY, JUNE 5.  Check out the Summer Reading calendar for specifics about all of the upcoming fun!

Want to start your summer reading celebration a little early?  Flex your creative muscles and enter our Summer Reading Art Contest.  Submit your wet 'n wild artwork (12 x 18 in.) to the Kid Zone MAY 1-21.  Sixteen winners will be selected, and their art will be displayed along the starred hallway June 1 - July 31.

They're back and better than ever!  Some of our favorite superheroes will take a break from saving the day to party in the Kid Zone on Thursday, April 22 at 6:30 p.m.   Come as your favorite superhero (or mild-mannered alter-ego) for a chance to meet Batman, Spider-Man, Green Lantern, X-Men's Rogue, Supergirl, and Wonder Woman.   They'll be posing for pictures (don't forget your cameras!), training sidekicks using heroic games, and creating must-have super accessories with their bare hands.  You won't want to miss it!  Call the Kid Zone at 444-7833 to "save the day".  (Sorry, but I couldn't resist a little superhero humor.)

April 11-17 is National Library Week, so let's start celebrating! This year's theme is Communities Thrive @ Your Library, and that is certainly true of Hoover, Alabama and its awesome library. The Hoover Public Library is proud to serve this community and has materials and events for everyone. Need that hot new book or DVD release? Drop by the library! Looking for a storytime for your little one? We have 10 to choose from each week! Eager for a free movie or concert? You'll find them in the Library Theatre and on the Plaza! In desperate need of internet access or computer classes? You guessed it--we have that too! If you're a library "regular", you already know what we have to offer. So how can you help us celebrate? Make sure you spread the word!

This April 22nd is Earth Day's 40th anniversary.  That's 40 years of celebrating and preserving our planet.  The Kid Zone wants to invite you to Go Green! on Saturday, April 10 at 10:30 a.m.  We will decorate flower pots, plant seeds and find out how to keep them growing all summer long.  We want to know how many green thumbs will be heading our way, so please give us a call at 444-7833 to register for this fun event.