January 2024
 
Beyond Words Book Club
 
Read and discuss Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin.
 
Sam and Sadie—two college friends, often in love, but never lovers—become creative partners in a dazzling and intricately imagined world of video game design, where success brings them fame, joy, tragedy, duplicity and ultimately, a kind of immortality.
 
Attend in person or register online to attend virtually.
 
Thursday, January 4 from 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Fitzgerald Room, Zoom
 
Board Game Test Group
 
If you are a hopeful board game designer looking to workshop ideas or have a prototype you'd like to playtest, then join us on select Thursday nights this fall. This meetup is also a great opportunity to network with other like-minded individuals in the board game community. No registration required!
 
Thursday, January 4 from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Library Plaza
 
All Creatures Great and Small
 
Join us for Season 4, Episode 1 of this hit PBS series before the season drops on January 7. Reception to follow. Registration required.
 
Thursday, January 4 from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
The Library Theatre
 
Visual Art Exhibition: Joi West
 
Joi West is an American artist and photographer based in Birmingham, AL. Their work combines photography, audio, text and printmaking to examine the relationship between families, the LGBTQIA+ community in the South and the meaning behind identity as it affects us on a personal level. 
 
This is exhibition-only and does not include an opening reception.
 
Friday, January 5 - February 28 - All Day
Friends Gallery
 
Masterworks: Ravishing Rachmaninoff
 
Register with your library card from December 15 - 17 for a chance to win a pair of tickets to the Alabama Symphony Orchestra's Masterworks series.
 
Ticket holders are chosen by random drawing and awarded two tickets. All entries during the registration period are treated the same regardless of date or time of entry. Only one entry per library card. Ticket holders will be notified on December 18 with tickets available for pickup December 19 - January 2 at the Library Plaza desk. Call 205-444-7821 for more information. 
 
Program to include: 
 
John Adams: Short Ride in a Fast Machine
Jonathan Leshnoff: Piano Concerto
Sergei Rachmaninoff: Symphony no. 2 in E Minor
 
Rachmaninoff's Second Symphony, known for its smooth and long-lined intensity, was a huge success with both audiences and critics alike and has remained popular due to its beautiful lyricism and dramatic ferocity. Blessed with "poetic and sensitive pianism" and a "wondrous sense of color", Grammy nominated pianist Joyce Yang captivates audiences with her virtuosity, lyricism and interpretive sensitivity. Yang returns to join the ASO in her performance of Jonathan Leshnoff's stirring Piano Concerto.
 
Friday, January 5 from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Saturday, January 6 from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Alys Stephens Center - Jemison Concert Hall
 
Calligraphy Fair
 
Learn about the different scripts and materials—nibs, ink holders, paper and much more. See demonstrations of italic, copperplate, Spencerian and modern calligraphy. Have your name written in a beautiful script, view artwork of professional calligraphers and enjoy refreshments.
 
This class is presented by the Birmingham Calligraphy Guild and sponsored by the Hoover Public Library. Registration and supplies for your first class are free! The BCG and HPL ask that you join the guild for subsequent classes to allow more patrons the opportunity to attend. Patrons must be 18 years or older to attend all classes. Annual dues are $25. 
 
Saturday, January 6 from 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Fitzgerald & Shakespeare Rooms
 
Books & Blitzes: HPL Fantasy Football Finale
 
Celebrate the end of Fantasy Football season with HPL. Tailgate with teammates and catch an NFL game, league highlights, season recap and a presentation of individual awards to participants. 
 
Sunday, January 7 from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Fitzgerald & Shakespeare Rooms
 
Friends of the Hoover Public Library: Melissa Turnage 
 
Learn from co-founder and co-director, Melissa Turnage, of People in Motion, dance and movement classes for seniors with mental or physical challenges. Friends business meeting follows.
 
Monday, January 8 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
The Library Theatre Level
 
Helping Hands
 
Teen and adult volunteers can drop in to roll newspapers for the humane society.
 
Monday, January 8 from 3:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Adult Program Room
 
How to Make a Million Dollars
 
Dr. Dale Callahan, Director of the IEM Program at UAB, teaches how to turn your dream into a profitable online business. 
 
Monday, January 8 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Fitzgerald & Shakespeare Rooms
 
Tai Chi in the Morning
 
Learn the basics of Tai Chi - often described as "meditation in motion," with instructor Steve Guesman. This gentle form of exercise can help maintain strength, flexibility and balance and could be the perfect activity for the rest of your life.
 
Tuesday, January 9 from 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Tuesday, January 16 from 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Tuesday, January 23 from 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Tuesday, January 30 from 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Fitzgerald & Shakespeare Rooms
 
French Conversation Club
 
Practice your French and celebrate the culture! All levels, beginner to fluent are welcome. Use what you know or expand your vocabulary with the help of our trained facilitator. Adults only, 17+ please. Call 205-444-7840 with any questions.
 
Tuesday, January 9 from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Fitzgerald Room
 
Spanish Conversation Club
 
All levels, from beginner to fluent, are welcome to practice their Spanish. Use what you know or expand your vocabulary with the help of our trained facilitator. Some prior experience with the language is recommended. Adults only, 17+ please.
 
Tuesday, December 12 from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Shakespeare Room
 
Craft Time at Lee Branch: Year of Reading
 
Decorate a bookmark to keep track of the books you read during the year.
 
Thursday, January 11 from 10:30 am - 11:30 am
East 59 Event Room - Lee Branch
 
Vintage Videos: The Bells of St. Mary's (1945)
 
Father O'Malley is transferred to St. Mary's, the Roman Catholic inner-city school where he quickly falls into conflict with its headmistress, Sister Mary. Father O'Malley believes that the deteriorating school should be abandoned and the children sent to other schools. Sister Mary and the other nuns, however, believe there is still hope, possibly in the form of charity from a wealthy business owner. 
 
Directed by: Leo McCarey
Starring: Bing Crosby, Ingrid Bergman and Henry Travers
Runtime: 126 minutes
 
Friday, January 12 from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
The Library Theatre
 
Insatiable Readers Book Club
 
Feed your need for nonfiction titles and bookish conversations. Explore your creative side.
 
Saturday, January 13 from 10:30 am - 1:00 pm
Fitzgerald Room
 
Purl on the Plaza: Basic Knit & Crochet Lessons
 
Learn the basics of knitting or crocheting before Purl on the Plaza! Only one class per student. Lessons will be taught simultaneously. Registration required!
 
Students must supply their own needles/hooks and bulky yarn for the lessons. Call 205-444-7820 with questions.
 
Basic Knitting Lessons
Basic Crocheting Lessons
 
Saturday, January 13 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Plaza Reading Room, Friends Meeting Room
 
Purl on the Plaza
 
Join old friends, learn new skills, get help with your project or find new inspiration at this monthly gathering of fiber enthusiasts. All fiber artists are welcome. 
 
Saturday, January 13 from 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Library Plaza
 
Online Insatiable Readers Book Club
 
Feed your need for nonfiction titles and bookish conversations. Explore your creative side. 
 
Saturday, January 13 from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Fitzgerald Room
 
Houseplant Swap
 
Exchange houseplants with others while sharing tips and tricks and getting to know other plant addicts. Bring in healthy plants, rooted in dirt or loose cuttings and be ready to trade with others!
 
Sunday, January 14 from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Library Plaza
 
NovelTea Book Club
 
Read and discuss The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk.
 
A pioneering researcher transforms our understanding of trauma and offers a bold new paradigm for healing. 
 
Sunday, January 14 from 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Fitzgerald & Shakespeare Rooms
 
In a League of Its Own: Pickleball Mania!
 
Alli McGill, who plays pickleball in Hoover and Vestavia Hills, talks about the basics of the sport so you can pick up a paddle and start playing. 
 
Tuesday, January 16 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Fitzgerald & Shakespeare Rooms
 
Online Adult ESL Classes
 
Join us for an online version of our ESL classes. These classes meet weekly for one hour and there are beginner level and intermediate to advanced level classes available. Registration required. Call 205-444-7840 with any questions.
 
Level 1 (beginner)
Thursday, January 18 from 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Thursday, January 18 from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Thursday, January 25 from 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Thursday, January 25 from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
 
Level 2 (intermediate to advanced)
Wednesday, January 17 from 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Wednesday, January 24 from 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Wednesday, January 31 from 10:00 am - 11:00 am
 
Recipe Swap
 
Share recipes and samples of your culinary creations with other cooks and bakers. 
 
Wednesday, January 17 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Shakespeare Room
 
Live on the Plaza: Liz & the Grand Tour
 
Featuring song selections from more than 70 years of country music, Liz & the Grand Tour honor the iconic songs and artists from every decade from 1950 through 2020.
 
Wednesday, January 17 from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Library Plaza
 
Lee Branch Book Club
 
Read and discuss The Housemaid by Freida McFadden.
 
After 10 years in prison, rough-edged ex-con Millie is grateful to be cooking and cleaning for what seems like a nice upscale suburban family. Until she notices the wife's increasingly strange, domineering behavior and how it affects both her husband and their young daughter. 
 
Thursday, January 18 from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
East 59 Meeting Room - Lee Branch
 
Game Night
 
Heed the call of the tabletop and come out to the library for a night of board game fun!
 
Friday, January 19 from 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Library Plaza
 
Now Showing: Ticket to Paradise (2022)
 
A divorced couple teams up and travels to Bali to stop their daughter from making the same mistake they think they made 25 years ago.
 
Runtime: 104 minutes
 
Monday, January 22 from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Monday, January 22 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
The Library Theatre
 
Best Youth Books of 2023
 
Adults enjoy books talks, snacks and prizes with Katie Jane as she shares our favorite youth books of the past year. 
 
Tuesday, January 23 from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm 
Youth Program Room
 
Alzheimer's Association presents Effective Communication
 
Identify strategies to connect and communicate with someone who has Alzheimer's at each stage of the disease. 
 
Tuesday, January 23 from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Fitzgerald & Shakespeare Rooms 
 
Write Club
 
Share your literary works and network with other aspiring writers.
 
Tuesday, January 23 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Friends Meeting Room
 
Saturday, January 27 from 10:30 am - 1:00 pm
Shakespeare Room
 
Well-Made Workshop: Dog Toy DIY
 
Meet Libby and make a dog toy in her honor!
 
Wednesday, January 24 from 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Wednesday, January 24 from 7:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Fitzgerald & Shakespeare Rooms
 
Craft Time at Lee Branch: Bookends
 
Decorate bookends to use in your personal library. 
 
Thursday, January 25 from 10:30 am - 11:30 am
East 59 Event Room - Lee Branch
 
Trivia Night
 
Come to Trivia Night for competitive chill, fantastically bad puns, music, questions and answers! Mystery prize for the winning team. Snacks all around!
 
Thursday, January 25 from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Library Plaza
 
Masterworks: Beethoven's Fourth Piano Concerto
 
Register with your library card from January 12 - 14 for a chance to win a pair of tickets to the Alabama Symphony Orchestra's Masterworks series.
 
Ticket holders are chosen by random drawing and awarded two tickets. All entries during the registration period are treated the same regardless of date or time of entry. Only one entry per library card. Ticket holders will be notified on January 15 with tickets available for pickup January 16 - 23 at the Library Plaza desk. Call 205-444-7821 for more information. 
 
Program to include: 
 
Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major
Anton Bruckner: Symphony No. 6 in A Major
 
Watch guest artist Conrad Tao as he performs Beethoven's beautiful and almost improvisational Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major. The sublime work allows the listener to enter a "magical and quietly intimate world of shimmering colors." The ASO will also perform Bruckner's dynamically sublime Symphony No. 6 in A Major.
 
 
Friday, January 26 from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Saturday, January 27 from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Alys Stephens Center - Jemison Concert Hall
 
Vision Boards 2024
 
Use magazines to make a collage of your dreams and goals for the new year.
 
Saturday, January 27 from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Youth Program Room
 
Pen & Paper RPG Society
 
At the Pen & Paper RPG Society meetings, you create larger than life heroes and join forces with fellow gamers as you adventure through dungeons, haunted tombs and forgotten regions of space. Let us show you a new, exciting hobby! No experience needed! 
 
Sunday, January 28 from 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Library Plaza
True Crime Book Club
 
Read and discuss American Demon: Eliot Ness and the Hunt for America's Jack the Ripper by Daniel Stashower. Register to attend online.
 
Eliot Ness, iconic police investigator, is on the hunt for a grisly murderer after the lower half of a woman's torso is found on the shores of Lake Erie in September 1934. 
 
Tuesday, January 30 from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Friends Meeting Room, Zoom
 
The World-Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra
 
Considered the greatest big band of all time, the world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra is an 18-member ensemble consisting of a music director, five saxophonists, four trumpeters, four trombonists, three rhythm musicians (piano, bass and drums) and two vocalists. 
 
In 1940, In the Mood and Tuxedo Junction were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and in 1941, Glenn Miller's recording of Chattanooga Choo Choo received the first Gold Record ever to be awarded. 
 
Tickets are $38. 
 
Tuesday, January 30 from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Wednesday, January 31 from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Library Theatre
 
Hoover Public Library
200 Municipal Drive
Hoover, Alabama 35216
(205) 444-7800

www.hooverlibrary.org