HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Hanceville Public Library has loads of events planned for its community this summer and they are so excited to get started. After last year’s COVID-19 shutdown, the dedicated members of this wonderful library have put their heads together to brainstorm some amazing activities for children of all ages in Hanceville, Alabama.
Today, as other libraries across the county celebrate the beginning of the season with the Summer Reading Kickoff, Hanceville Public Library will be doing the same.
Each Wednesday, at 10 a.m., Hanceville Public Library will host Story Time in their children’s room. The morning begins with stories being read aloud to the children and is followed by group crafts; though, as a safety precaution, snack time has not been reinstated. All ages are welcome to attend.
The Hanceville Public Library was not always where it stands now. The previous building is only about a mile away, but after Merchant Bank’s charitable donation of their old building to the City of Hanceville, the library was able to expand, moving closer into the heart of town in the process. The original bank vault now stands open in honor of the donation, with books now tucked inside. With loads of space for new literature, activities and ideas, they are more than excited to get involved in their communities once again.
The hidden treasure of Hanceville Public Library is the beautiful outdoor space they have worked tirelessly to cultivate for the enjoyment of the children. It’s decorated with cartoon murals, colorful picnic tables and a beautiful wooden awning with built-in fan to provide shade and cool from notorious Alabama heat.
Librarian Shirley Burden was born and raised right here in Hanceville and is now on her 16th year of working for the library. She has two granddaughters, along with four great–grandchildren in whom she nurtures a love of reading. She has always been incredibly passionate about the children in her community and always works to make the library a better place for them to learn.
“I just love the children and it is all about them. We have done a lot since we have been here. For the building, but most importantly, for the children. I could never say enough about them. They make it mean everything.”, she said.
Her hard work has not at all gone unnoticed, as there is a plaque and portrait hanging on the wall outside of the children’s space in her honor, known as “The Shirley Burden Reading Room,” a tribute well deserved by a librarian with a heart for so much more than just books.
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