Unique Services
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Adults
With anything from classes, book discussion groups, your favorite fiction and nonfiction materials, to live music our adult services is sure to have something for everyone!
Birmingham News Archive
The Birmingham News was launched in March 1888 as The Evening News and in 1895 became known as The Birmingham News. From world, national, state and local news to business, culture, technology, religion, style, health, and more, the paper provides news coverage and insightful commentary to the people living in Alabama's largest metropolitan area. Date Range: (4/27/1993 - Current)
Book Club Kits
Check it out! Everything you need for your book club is in this kit (just add readers).
Each kit contains:
- 8 or more copies of the title
- Author biography
- Reviews of the book
- Discussion questions
- An annotated list of other Instant Book Club Kits
Business Services
The mission of the Hoover Public Library’s Business and Law Department is to provide the citizens of Hoover and the business community with the best available resources, services and programs covering a vast array of business and legal topics.
Circulating Magazines
We subscribe to over 200 popular magazines and several newspapers and are a distribution point for a number of free local publications. New issues are in the Newstand on the Library Plaza and are available for reading in-library on any of our comfy sofas or perhaps while sipping an espresso at Coffee-ol-ogy. Most past issues of magazines are available for checkout for three weeks. To find a specific magazine, you can search the library catalog by journal title but a visit to the library will give you a better idea of what's available.
Coffee-ol-ogy Cafe´
Coffee-ol-ogy Coffee Cafe is located on the Hoover Library Plaza where you’ll have plenty of comfortable seating, lots of parking, free WiFi service and ready access to library reading and technology, planned programs and cultural events.
Computer Classes
If you want to learn about the Internet, how to use a computer, or need help learning to use Microsoft Office products, these classes are for you. The current month class calendar can be viewed on our online class calendar. Call 444-7747 to sign up for our computer classes.
e-Readers for Checkout
Enjoy incredible reading & entertainment on NOOK Readers preloaded with books. We have several nook's to choose from. Check them out just like a book and take them home. It's the perfect solution to getting items not available on overdrive or if you just like to try one out. If you really like the convenience of a eReader but want to not deal with the effort of downloading books yourself this is a fun and easy solution. Read more about this fabulous service with the link below.
Ebooks and Downloadable Audiobooks
Free digital audio books are now available for library patrons. Bestsellers, nonfiction, biographies and self-help audio books are available for download from Overdrive.
• Install the free Overdrive Media Player
• Use your library card to check out titles or place reserves.
• Keep titles for two weeks.
• All titles may be transferred to portable MP3 players.
• Many titles may be burned to CD.
Preloaded eReaders are also available for checkout.
Get help with downloading audiobooks and ebooks.
Foundation Center Cooperating Collection
As a Foundation Center Cooperating Collection library, the Hoover Public Library provides access to the Foundation Directory Online Professional, Foundation Grants to Individuals Online, and the Foundation Center’s core print resources. The Hoover Public Library also provides access to a large number of circulating materials within this collection.
The new cooperating collection provides organizations and individuals with information, training and tools they can use to find and secure grants.
Friends Bookstore
The Friends Bookstore has a large collection of paperback, as well as popular hardbacks, magazines and puzzles. The money raised from the sale of these items will be used to benefit the Library.
Staffed by volunteers of the Friends of the Hoover Public Library.
Friends of the Hoover Public Library
Thanks to a small group of energetic and determined Hoover residents the FRIENDS was established in 1982. They recognized the need for a library in the rapidly expanding city of Hoover and the rest is history. Join and you’ll be glad you did.
Get a Library Card
Any resident of Hoover or Jefferson County can get a library card at the Hoover Public Library, free of charge. Patrons over the age of fifteen must show a driver's license with current address or a form of government issued photo ID and verification of current address (i.e., piece of mail, lease agreement, checkbook, bill statement, etc.). Children under fifteen must have a parent or legal guardian sign a responsibility statement. The parent or legal guardian must sign the application.
Kids Art Gallery
Take a look fabulous art from elementary schools in Hoover!
Kidzone
The Kidzone has programs galore as well as books, movies, and other cool stuff. Read our blog below for more information and check out our upcoming events to get an idea of what's happening at the Kidzone! Our main phone number is 205.444.7830.
Laptops for Checkout Inside the Library
The Technology Hub has laptops for checkout within the library. These PCs have access to the internet, Microsoft Office 2007 and are connected to a wireless printer. These laptops can be checked out and used in the library until 15 minutes before close. In order to check out a laptop you have to have a Government issued ID and a library card that allows you to check out materials. You must owe $5 or less in order to check out items. Call 205.444.7747 for more details.
Meeting Room Reservations
In accordance with the Library Bill of Rights, the primary purpose of library meeting rooms is to serve the needs of library-sponsored programs and services, and such functions shall always have priority. Otherwise, priority for use of the meeting rooms will be given to (1) Friends of the Library meetings or programs, and (2) City of Hoover meetings and functions. The Hoover Public Library provides meeting room space when available for use by Hoover community groups and organizations whose goals are civic and educational only. Each application will be reviewed and evaluated individually.
Reference USA
ReferenceUSA is the leading provider in business and consumer research! Offering a full-service platform, ReferenceUSA helps users create marketing plans, conduct competitive analysis, raise funds and locate people.
Southern Voices
Southern Voices is a four-day conference exploring culture as reflected in our contemporary arts. Sponsored by Hoover Public Library and open to the public, the conference brings together a chorus of artistic voices, writers, editors, musicians, performers and public figures. For more information, call 444-7820.
Technology and Classes
In the Technology Hub, located on the main level, we offer 12 workstations for word processing and business automation software so patrons can type research papers, resumes, create spreadsheets, publications and projects. In addition we have two scanners and laptops for in library use. Headphones are sold for $2 and Flash Drives for $5 at the service desk. Basic computer classes and Microsoft Office training is available each month. Click the following link for more information.
Teens
Come See Us At The Teens Desk. We Can Help You Find Your Next Favorite Book!
The Library Theatre
The Library Theatre Is A Professional Venue Bringing World-Class Entertainment To An Intimate Setting In The Heart Of Hoover. Box-Office: (205) 444-7888.
Weekly Storytimes
The Hoover Library Children's Department has storytimes for all ages. Check the following page for information about each storytime.
Wireless Hotspot
Relax and enjoy free wireless internet access anywhere in our library. We also have a wireless printer available in the technology hub. Prints are 10¢ for Black and White and 50¢ color.
Fabulous Books
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Author Read-Alikes
Read-alikes are suggestions for readers who enjoy the works of a particular author and would like to have recommendations of other authors that write in a similar style or genre. Remember that individual judgments of writing styles will differ among readers and that these suggestions are selective.
Book Groups
Join us for Hoover Public Library's book discussion groups. Sessions are monthly. One book is discussed each session. Snacks and drinks will be provided.
BookNews
If you want to keep up with the latest and greatest books available at the Hoover Public Library, sign up for BookNews, a monthly online newsletter delivered right to your inbox or available on the Hoover Public Library website. Each newsletter contains book covers, jacket notes, reviews and more. If you like what you see, click on the link to place a reserve and we’ll notify you when it’s ready for pick-up.
GoodReads Adults
Hoover Library's book recommendations on Goodreads. GoodReads is the largest site for readers and book recommendations in the world. They have more than 13,000,000 members who have added more than 450,000,000 books to their shelves. A home for casual readers and bona-fide bookworms alike, Goodreads users recommend books, compare what they are reading, keep track of what they've read and would like to read, find their next favorite book, form book clubs and much more.
GoodReads Kids
Hoover Library's book recommendations from the Children's department on Goodreads. GoodReads is the largest site for readers and book recommendations in the world. They have more than 13,000,000 members who have added more than 450,000,000 books to their shelves. A home for casual readers and bona-fide bookworms alike, Goodreads users recommend books, compare what they are reading, keep track of what they've read and would like to read, find their next favorite book, form book clubs and much more.
GoodReads Teens
Hoover Library's book recommendations from the Children's department on Goodreads. GoodReads is the largest site for readers and book recommendations in the world. They have more than 13,000,000 members who have added more than 450,000,000 books to their shelves. A home for casual readers and bona-fide bookworms alike, Goodreads users recommend books, compare what they are reading, keep track of what they've read and would like to read, find their next favorite book, form book clubs and much more.
New Books and Items
See what's new at the Hoover Public Library. Check out lists of newbooks and other new additions to our collection like CDs movies and audiobooks. The new selections are listed as a "Featured List" right in the catalog for a quick and easy access
Online Book Club
Join our Online Books Clubs. Every day, Monday through Friday, you will receive in your email a five-minute selection from a chapter of a book. By the end of the week, you’ll have read 2-3 chapters. Every Monday we start a new book. Sign up and start reading.
Request an Item
To request items not found in the catalog, there are two things that you can do.
1.Request an item to be purchased.
2. Go to the Jefferson County Interlibrary Loan page where you can requst an item to be borrowed from outside of the Jefferson County libray system.
Tumblebooks
TumbleBookLibrary is an online collection of animated, talking picture books which teach young children the joys of reading in a format they'll love.
Lifelong Learning
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English Classes (ESL)
The Library offers Basic English as a Second Language classes for adults in the fall and spring. These classes are free. For more information, call 444-7820.
Free Online Classes
Knowledge is power. Why not learn something new today? Universal Class™ offers hundreds of affordable online classes facilitated by dedicated instructors sharing their knowledge on almost any imaginable topic. Join us today, and let's start learning together. (Hoover Residents Only)
Homework Alabama
Alabama's Free Live online homework help service offers free homework help from subject specialists.
Available Sunday - Thursday from 3pm until 10 pm
Free Tutoring for: Math - Science - Social Studies - English
Grades K3-12, College Intro, and Adult Learner
Kindle Class
Learn about the Kindle e-reader and how to find and use library e-books. This class will discuss the available options for Kindle e-readers, as well as the basics of finding, checking out, and managing library e-books for the Kindle. Topics include: finding and selecting e-books in the Kindle format; managing and transferring e-books to your Kindle; returning expired items and more! Classes are weekdays, weeknights and weekends when available. Check our current class schedule for more information.
Learn a Language (mango)
Mango lessons combine everyday conversation skills, memory building strategies and interactivity. It's engaging. And it works.
Learning Express Library
Whatever your goal, LearningExpress Library's resources will help you succeed. Each of our Learning Centers offers the practice tests, exercises, skill-building courses, eBooks, and information you need to achieve the results you want—at school, at work, or in life. Looking to land a job? You'll find an entire Learning Center dedicated to helping you get the one that's right for you.
Nook Classes
Barnes & Noble partners with the library to teach you to use your NOOK. Call 444-7820 for more information. See current class listings.
Write Club
- Meet n mingle with your fellow amateur poets and novelists.
- Flesh out your characters and tie-up those dangling plot threads!
- Swap material with other writers, or even read your work aloud.
- Share your stories and inspirations!
Connect to Us
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Adult Blog
Get information, book recommendations, and other things staff are thinking about from our Adult blog.
Apps
Search and hold items. See upcoming events. Renew Items. Keep in contact using our free apps! It's library access at your fingertips. Available on all major mobile devices.
Click here to download your app now!
Events Newsletters
Sign up to get email conveniently delivered to your email address. Categories include Kidzone, Teens, Adults and Services. Most of the time our emails go out monthly. On occasion, we send out information about new services and other important library news.
Sign up for Hoover Library events and news today!
Facebook
Stay in tune with what the Hoover Library is doing by friending us on Facebook. We also post information about upcoming events and post links to various book reviews. We look forward to see you online!
Kidzone Blog
Get information, book recommendations, and other things staff are thinking about from our Kidzone blog.
Photo Gallery
Take a look at photos from our various programs and events. If you see a good photo of yourself at one of our events, feel free to download a large version or have it printed directly from our gallery service provider.
Pinterest
Follow the Hoover Library on Pinterest. We post information on new materials, programs and other fun things!
RSS Feed
RSS is a protocol, an application of XML, that provides an open method of syndicating and aggregating Web content. Using RSS files, you can create a data feed that supplies headlines, links, and article summaries from your Web site. Users can have constantly updated content from web sites delivered to them via a news aggregator, a piece of software specifically tailored to receive these types of feeds.
Teens Blog
Get information, book recommendations, and other things staff are thinking about from our Teens blog.
Twitter
Follow us on Twitter and get up to the minute updates about events, book reviews and other hot links to information that we find interesting.
Videos on Vimeo
Recordings of events as well as promotional videos can be found on our Vimeo page.
