HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Shirley Burden Public Library Manager Teresa Rivera recently shared appreciation for members of the library’s board, saying she couldn’t do it without them, their advice and knowledge.
“They are so supportive,” Rivera said. “Hanceville Library Board members serve a term of four years and are appointed by the Hanceville City Council. Vacancies are filled in the manner by which board members are regularly named and are filled for the remainder of the unexpired term. In case of resignation of the chairman, the vice chairman automatically becomes the chairman.”
Rivera said the board is vital to bringing ideas and recommendations and assists in programs. Some have even read in Wednesday storytimes for local children.
“They donate their time and talent to assist the Hanceville Library to better serve the community,” Rivera said. The Shirley Burden Library has a new board member. Lauren Bentley, a Hanceville native, was appointed in October of 2025, and is serving as vice-(chair). She brings to the library board creative talent and ideas. She is married and has a son getting ready for college. She also teaches Kindergarten at Hanceville Primary. Another board member, our secretary Lacey McGriff, designed a flyer to encourage reading March 2-6 for the ‘Read across America’ campaign. This will be given to the Hanceville Elementary School to bring home to their parents.”
The next library board meeting is April 8 at 5 p.m. It is open to the public.
The board meets quarterly, in January, April, July and October, at the library.
“We are a small library and rely on volunteers to assist in the day-to-day operations,” Rivera said. “We currently have two part-time librarians with one position needing to be filled to bring us to three total part-time librarians. There are three volunteers that serve as well. Other duties of the library board is to assist in finding funds or grants for the library. We are in the process of creating our summer program with the theme ‘
‘Unearth a Story,’ and are looking for business partners to assist us. They will be a part of the promotional materials.”
The Shirley Burden Public Library is open Tuesday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed from noon-1 p.m.) and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. It’s located at 201 Commercial St., Hanceville. Find it online at Facebook/Hanceville Public Library.
