Gardendale - Martha Moore Public Library

Mission:

The mission of the Gardendale-Martha Moore Public Library is to provide the community with quality materials and programs to meet the ever changing needs for life-long learning, cultural enrichment, information and entertainment.

Vision:

The Library aspires to enrich and enhance the lives of our patrons and community.

Vision Directives:

To provide opportunities for cultural, intellectual and personal growth
To provide a stimulating, pleasing and welcoming environment
To provide access to information, literature and the arts through diverse formats
To provide friendly, professional service
To provide assistance to patrons in their search for knowledge
To provide cultural, educational and recreational programs which inspire and entertain
To attract develop and retain a friendly, competent library staff that provides outstanding patron service
To support life long learning and discovery
To foster and nourish the pleasure of reading
To actively participate in the life of our community
To continuously evolve to better serve our patrons and community

History:

In the summer of 1958, Martha C. Moore had the vision for Gardendale's children to have a local library. The Jefferson County bookmobile came to the school for the children, but Mrs. Moore sought a permanent location. In 1959, Mayor J.I. Pesnell and the city council agreed to have shelves for the books built in the office of the police chief. From that small beginning, the library has grown with the city of Gardendale. The library has been in 5 different locations in the past 45 years. Its present location has been open since 1990. The 7,730 square foot facility offers state-of-the-art library services for all ages.

In December 2012, we completed an extensive expansion and renovation project that added 4985 square feet with a separate wing dedicated for Teen and Children's Services. Every aspect of the building was refreshed, renovated or updated.

The Gardendale Public Library is a member library of the Jefferson County Public Libraries.