Book Nook: Books and Coffee Belong Together

Books and Coffee Belong Together

The current café inside the library, East 59, has recently opened a new branch in Hoover, and now in partnership with café owner Amber Tolbert, we are excited to announce our newest project inside their new location. We call it “Library in a Café.”

Beginning this fall, the Hoover Library will offer remote pickup and programming at East 59 Cafe’s new location in the Village at Lee Branch on Highway 280. The pickup service is a self-service locker system.* Using this new system is simple. Put materials on hold by visiting our website, using our app or calling the library, and then just select “Remote Locker” as your pickup location. You will receive a notification when the materials arrive at the lockers. Once inside the café, our lockers are located to the left of the main counter. Swipe your library card, and your specific locker will pop open. You may also return materials at this location. Just follow the online instructions and use the door marked “Returns.” Locker access will be available during café hours: Monday- Friday 7 a.m.- 8 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Remote programming will also feature weekly programs held in the café’s event space. Starting in September, we have children’s storytime (all ages) planned for every Tuesday with one of our talented storytellers. We are also planning special events for adults, teens and families, which will include book clubs, crafts, game nights and more. Coming in December, we will host a special storytime with Santa! For more information, please download our app or visit our newly updated website at hooverlibrary.org.

Building an additional branch in East Hoover has been atop our wish list for many years, but until then our remote lockers and programming will provide convenience to our eastern residents and serve as our next step toward a new full branch in that area.

Oh, and if I haven’t mentioned it already, East 59 offers sandwiches, soups and one of the best cups of coffee in the city.

Yes, books and coffee really do belong together, and we are very excited about our café and library pairing. *The remote locker system was purchased with funds from a Library Services and Technology Act grant, administered by the Alabama Public Library Service, along with a 20-percent match from the City of Hoover. Amanda Borden Library Director WELCOME OUR NEWEST PEDIATRICIAN

Sarah Spencer, MD

GREENVALE PEDIATRICS – HOOVER

5295 PRESERVE PARKWAY, SUITE 100 HOOVER, AL 35244 205-987-4444 ChildrensAL.org/greenvale-pediatrics

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

Upcoming Events

Summer is winding down here at Aldridge Gardens, and what a summer it has been. Our hydrangea collection bloomed heavier and more beautiful than it has in many years. We had very successful summer camps, an amazing Hydrangeas Under the Stars event and even with the frequent morning rain, increased visitor counts.

Taste of Hoover

Now our full attention turns to the last two events of the year at the Gardens, starting with the event of the year, Taste of Hoover! Last year’s Taste was a wonderful event, with the over 35 participating restaurants, caterers and beverage suppliers bringing out samples of their tastiest items for the sell-out crowd to enjoy. The weather was incredible, the live music was perfect and the crowd just amazing. If you left hungry, well…

This year’s Taste will be Oct. 7, 5-8 p.m., in the circle and under the stars at Aldridge Gardens. Check our website for details and ticket info starting next month, and plan to get yours early. This event is a sellout every year!

Gifts of Art

Our last event of the year is quickly growing to be one of our most popular. Gifts of Art in December returns after a COVID break in 2020. This year promises things you have enjoyed the past five years plus some new items from new artists. Gifts of Art is not a craft fair, but a one-stop Christmas shopping event with unique, one-of-a-kind art items from 13 local artists. Items are reasonably priced, averaging around $50-75, and our artists are chosen for their truly unique items—items not found at regular retail stores. From textiles to glass to pottery to jewelry to metal works, there is literally something for everyone on your Christmas gift list. Gifts of Art starts at 9 a.m. on Dec. 2 and closes at 6 p.m., giving you a wide range of times to drop in and shop, and meet the artists. This event has grown more popular every year, and we are so excited about its return in 2021. Mark your calendars today!

Welcome fall to beautiful Aldridge Gardens. Seasons are special at the Gardens, and with the changing from summer to fall, we start anticipating the beautiful foliage colors we will witness soon. The ginkgo tree will become the most photographed spot in the Gardens as we start preparing to welcome guests to our annual Taste of Hoover. The Taste of Hoover is Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021. Tickets are available on our website at aldridgegardens.com.

We had a very busy summer filled with weddings, baby showers, celebrations of life and of course our annual fundraiser Hydrangeas Under the Stars. We made the decision this year to hold a smaller, more intimate event. We hosted around 150 guests and supporters at a fantastic dinner provided by Savoie catering. A reception and silent auction were held in the Aldridge home with dinner and our live auction under the Pavilion in the Gardens. We would like to thank the City of Hoover, our Board of Directors and all our supporters for everything you do to help us grow and maintain beautiful Aldridge Gardens.

When you walk through the Gardens this fall, you will witness a lot of new projects taking place throughout the grounds. An expansion to the bonsai display area is in the works, along with the replacement of our patio tent as well as a few other small projects. We hope you enjoy the continued growth of the City of Hoover’s beautiful Aldridge Gardens.

Holidays are fast approaching, and what better venue to hold your holiday corporate luncheon, Christmas party or family Christmas party then at Aldridge Gardens. To book an event contact Amanda Baker, our director of sales and events, at amanda.baker@ hooveralabama.gov or 205-739-6554.