Amy Minton: Summer Reading and More at Alabama Public Libraries

Guest Opinion by Amy Minton

What if you were told you could explore Paris, Peru, Mongolia, Australia, Zimbabwe and more all in a single day, for free?  You can do that by reading one of the millions of books in Alabama public libraries! 

As a member of the Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) board as well as a member of the Etowah County Library board, I have had the opportunity to visit many of the 225 public libraries across our state and see the numerous educational and fun events taking place.

For the last twenty years, I have had the privilege of frequently visiting Rainbow City Public Library to see exceptional programs featuring reptiles, magic, comics, history, science, space, art and Lego building as well as first responder and veterans programs. I have visited the Gadsden Public Library (GPL) to explore their well-organized genealogy, archival preservation and history programs while also participating in the yoga, sewing and art classes in addition to their outdoor farming programs or guest animal petting zoos. My spirit is always lifted by the encouraging words on the sticky notes posted on their bathroom mirrors. One of my favorite experiences when visiting GPL is eating at the Beautiful Rainbow Café where the ingredients for the delicious meals are grown and prepared by local school students with cognitive disabilities.

It has been a pleasure to drop by Autauga-Prattville Library and see the many smiling faces and watch fun interactive programs provided on crafting, sewing, cooking, using a 3D printer as well as the MakerSpace! While there, I saw families reading together, learning how to write computer code, design roads, and even identify types of birds.

It was exciting to drop by the clean and beautiful Spanish Fort Public Library to see so many happy patrons as they enjoyed reading together or participating in the weekly family game nights.

From traveling across the state with stops in North Alabama’s Leighton Public Library to North Shelby, Selma Dallas County, on down to Robertsdale and Baldwin County Public Library, it’s great to see the joy of reading and learning in a safe and fun place! No matter where you live, if you haven’t stopped by your local public library lately, please stop by, explore and thank the hard-working librarians and staff.

We can all get involved by volunteering, reading to a child, serving on a library board, renting a room at the library for a group, or simply renewing our library cards and being an active participant.

The ‘Summer Reading programs’ are kicking off soon in every public library so I encourage you if you have children, grandchildren, church or neighborhood groups, let’s all work together to encourage the love of  summer reading and do our part to foster a love of  reading resulting in Alabama leading the way in reading proficiency and summer fun!

Amy Dozier Minton is a retired Senior Pharmaceutical Manager for Bristol-Myers Squibb, wife, mother and author who was appointed to the Alabama Public Library Service Board by Governor Kay Ivey in early 2024. She received her MS degree from UAB.

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