September Newsletter

Dear Valued Patrons,

As the sound of school bells rings out across our area once again, I want to extend my warmest wishes to all our students, teachers, and families for a successful and enriching academic year ahead. Whether you're embarking on formal education, learning new skills, or simply pursuing personal growth, the library is here to support your learning journey every step of the way.

The library offers numerous resources that may be of particular value this back-to-school season. Homework Alabama connects students with subject specialists for free homework help. The Alabama Virtual Library provides 24/7 access to research databases with magazines, journals, and newspapers. For test preparation, Learning Express Library offers practice exams for everything from the GED and SAT to professional licensing exams. Those interested in learning new languages can explore Transparent Language Online, which uses scientifically proven methods to help you master new skills. For our newest drivers, the Online Driving Test service provides free DMV practice tests with no registration required. You can check out these resources and more by clicking on the “Online Resources” tab at www.appl.info. Don't forget about the library's best offering - books! Whether you need them for research papers, individual study, or expanding your knowledge on any topic, our collection remains an invaluable resource.

While summer may be winding down, our calendar remains full of engaging programs and events for all ages, including our popular Tech Tuesdays to help community members become more comfortable utilizing modern technology. The learning never stops here at the library! We also continue to provide essential services like computer access, free WiFi, and printing (just 20¢ per page for black and white, $1.00 for color).

Remember, your library card is your gateway to all these incredible resources. If you need a new card or have questions about any of our services, please don't hesitate to ask our friendly staff.

Here's to a wonderful school year filled with discovery, growth, and success!

Warm regards,

Tammy Bear

Director

Game and Chill Wednesday, September 24th @ 4pm (Ages 12-18) Come hang out at the library and unwind with friends! Whether you're into strategy games, party games, or classic board games, we've got something for everyone. Bring your competitive spirit or just come to have fun in a welcoming atmosphere. We'll have a variety of board games and card games to choose from, plus snacks and drinks provided. It's a great chance to take a break from screens and homework.

Foster Care Information Meeting

Join us for a Foster Care Information Meeting on Tuesday, September 16th at 5pm to discover more about foster care opportunities in Autauga County and learn how you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families in need. This informational session will provide valuable insights into the foster care process and explore various ways community members can get involved in supporting vulnerable youth in our area.

Children: Grandma Forgets By: Paul Russell & Nicky Johnston

Grandma is a little more forgetful than she used to be. She can't remember how the family used to gather for Sunday lunch or how she used to drive to the beach in her sky-blue car. She makes up new rules for old games and often hides Dad's keys. But that's okay--it just means her family has to make new memories for her! An uplifting story about a family bound by love no matter what else might be forgotten.

Adults: Falling to Pieces By: Vanetta Chapman In the Amish community of Shipshewana, two women- one Amish, one English-reluctantly join forces for a short-term business venture. Neither is looking for friendship, but when the town's newspaper editor is murdered, and an unexpected prime suspect is identified, the women form an unlikely alliance to solve the mystery.

Cliff Harker

When Cliff joined our library team in October 2013, he brought with him an impressive background of service, experience and lots of "dad jokes." His journey to us began the day after high school graduation when he enlisted in the Navy, serving four years as a torpedoman aboard submarines and traveling the world. He then served in the United States Air Force for sixteen years before spending another sixteen years at the Air University Library on Maxwell Air Force Base, much of that time in the map room. "The major difference between an academic library and community library," Cliff reflects, "is that you can really feel the heartbeat of the community in the community library. It is a special place"

Outside of work, Cliff enjoys reading nonfiction books about medical mysteries and has been happily married to his wife Kathleen for 56 years. Together, they have a daughter, Stacey, and share their home with Sir Walter Charles Harker (their beloved family cat). Cliff's decades of military service and academic library experience make him an invaluable member of our team, bringing both expertise and a genuine care for the community to his work.

Autaugaville

Wednesday 9am - 2pm

Friday 9am - 4pm

Billingsley

Monday & Thursday 8am - 5pm

Marbury

Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 9am - 5pm

Prattville

Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 10am - 6pm

Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 10am - 5pm