Holly McLoughlin

Review of Huntsville-Madison County Publ...

The HMCPL is one of the bedrocks of Huntsville. I...

The HMCPL is one of the bedrocks of Huntsville. I should know -- I'm the rarest of all Southern birds, a native Huntsvillian, and I've used the library about once a week for the last 30 years. The children's librarians were there when I toddled in with my Grandma to look at picture books, and the library has been hugely influential in my life from that day to this. The staff care about their patrons, even though they're like schoolteachers in being paid a fraction of what they're worth. Last month I stopped by a branch I hadn't been to in over two years, but everyone still remembered me by name.

Especially impressive has been the way the library has democratized the use of technology for everyone. From the time the library went to a computerized card catalogue and they helped me learn to look up what I needed that way to the present, they've patiently led the way for this right-brainer to learn the world of technology. There were times in my young adulthood when I couldn't afford a computer, and the library was right there to make sure I had internet access. In the past couple of years, I've suffered a major hearing loss, and the library staff have worked with me to make sure I could still access every part of the library's services. People who grow up in Huntsville have been known to complain about many aspects of our city -- I certainly do -- but the library (especially its staff) is the best of the very best about living here. If ever I am granted Harry Potter's magic wand, I will double their funding. Duplicare pecuniam!