Looking Ahead to 2026 at Moon Lake Library

Closing out the old year and beginning again is always exciting. And while we can’t know all that 2026 will bring, here’s a sneak preview of some programs and initiatives coming up at Moon Lake Library.

We’re happy to announce that we will once again offer free tax preparation from February through mid-April. Dottye Pierce has helped folks with their taxes on Saturday mornings for the past three years, and we’re lucky to have her back. Also, in February, look for local author Jim Tinker, speaking about his book, Wills Valley.

We plan to sponsor some photography programs in the spring, as Steve Brandon offers a session based on his photos from around the world. In addition, local photographers David and Lesa Cummings will share tips for nature photography using smartphones, once the flowers are blooming again.

Lynn Vanderhoff is in the process of revamping our children’s programs. We are continuing our outreach to the Valley Head community, with book giveaways at local events. Recently, we learned that the summer reading theme for 2026 will be “Unearth a Story,” focusing on dinosaurs, archaeology, and paleontology, so dinosaur fans of all ages will enjoy this one.

In August, we are hosting Alabama’s premier weather personality, James Spann. As you know, he travels throughout the state frequently, and we’re delighted to have him come back to Mentone.

Thanks to the Friends of Moon Lake Library, we have a movie license that’s allowed us to show new movies and many classics over the past couple of years. One of the year’s highlights will be Zombieland, which Hank and Susan Van Apeldoorn worked on as part of the film crew. We hope to have them back, sharing some behind-the-scenes secrets about that hilarious film when we show it in October.

Having a vibrant and inviting library is easy when you have an engaged community as we do in Mentone. Thanks for your support of Moon Lake Library. If you don’t have a library card, please come see us and get signed up.