Requests, Inter-Library Loan, and Reader’s Advisory
By Candra Shockley
Alabaster’s library is working to meet patron needs through requests, reader’s advisory, and inter-library loan. The library accepts requests for consideration to purchase, as well as requests for items not yet published. If the library does not have an item, a purchase request can be made and given to a librarian for consideration to add to the collection. If the item is purchased, the library will then process it and place it on hold for the patron to pick up. The library also takes requests for items not yet published—once the item becomes available, it will be placed on hold for the requesting patron to pick up. Purchase requests are very valuable, as it helps to inform librarians about patron needs and interests so they can make future purchase decisions for the collection.
Is there a favorite author you look forward to reading their latest books? They might be on the Alabaster library’s FAN Club list of authors! The FAN Club (Favorite Authors Now) is a list of frequently published, popular adult fiction authors that you can subscribe to and receive the author’s latest book on hold for you automatically. Simply fill out a form for which authors you would like, and each time they have a new book published, you will automatically be placed in the queue and receive notification when your copy is ready to be picked up.
Shelby County libraries work together by loaning items between libraries in county to meet patron needs. However, libraries can also look outside of Shelby County and even the state to find certain items. The Alabaster library welcomes out-of-county requests—whether book, DVD, or audiobook. The request is placed, the item located, borrowed, and shipped to the library for the patron to pick up. This is a free service to patrons seeking niche, rare, or out-of-print items. Items have arrived from various public and university libraries around the United States—even from Maxwell Air Force Base!
Can’t decide what to read next? The library loves to help with that! The Alabaster library has two great resources for patrons to use in deciding what to read next: Novelist and Fantastic Fiction. Both online databases list authors and their books, including forthcoming titles. Browse by author, title, subject, or genre. Discover read-a-likes to your favorite authors or a new series with Fantastic Fiction. Novelist includes reviews and recommendations on fiction, nonfiction, audiobooks, and K-8 youth titles. Access both sites via the library’s website and using a library card. Want more personalized reader’s advisory? Come to the library, and let us help you! Staff have great recommendations based on what’s popular, well reviewed, and, of course, what we are reading!
Don’t forget to sign up for the library’s newsletters for the latest library updates—get reading suggestions, general information, and find out about events for adults, teens, and kids. Subscribe online at the library’s website via the Newsletters tab.
Candra Shockley is the Cataloging & Inter-Library Loan Librarian. For questions, please contact her at cshockley@alabasterlibrary.org.
Join the Story Squad: A Reading Buddy Program at the Library
We’re excited to announce The Story Squad: Reading Buddy Program, a fun and meaningful way to support young readers right here at the library!
What is the Story Squad?
The Story Squad pairs young readers in Kindergarten through 3rd grade (Little Buddies) with enthusiastic older students in 3rd through 6th grade (Big Buddies) for one-on-one reading sessions. These 30-minute meetings take place bi-weekly at the library and are designed to help build reading confidence, fluency, and a love for books. Once a month we’ll add in our fur buddies, Keegan and Skye, two very friendly corgies, for students to read to.
Big Buddies: Mentors in the Making
Students in grades 3–6 who enjoy reading and want to make a difference can sign up to be Big Buddies. It’s a wonderful way for tweens to develop leadership skills, gain volunteer experience, and give back to their community—all while sharing their love of reading. Students interested in becoming a Big Buddy need to contact Ms. Karen at the library by September 19th.
Little Buddies: Growing Readers Welcome
For our younger readers, this is a great opportunity to practice reading aloud in a relaxed and encouraging environment. Reading with a Big Buddy helps boost pronunciation, comprehension, and most importantly—confidence! Check our event calendar to sign up. Our first session will be Wednesday, September 24 at 4pm.
Why It Matters
Programs like Story Squad make reading fun and social while helping kids at different levels support each other. Everyone grows—whether it’s through improving reading skills, learning responsibility, or forming new friendships.
How to Join
Interested in signing up your child as a Big or Little Buddy? Visit the library or call us to learn more about scheduling, program guidelines, and how to get involved.
Let’s grow a community of confident readers—one story at a time!
Kick Off a Great Year of Homeschooling at Homeschool Happening
We’re excited to kick off a new season of Homeschool Happenings with an exciting, hands-on Brick Challenge hosted by Young Engineers Over the Mountain! Mark your calendars for Monday, September 8th at 10:00 AM and get ready for an unforgettable experience in STEM learning.
During this interactive workshop, children will explore the worlds of engineering, mechanics, robotics, and coding—all through the fun and creativity of building with specially designed bricks. It’s a unique opportunity to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while having a blast with peers in a collaborative environment.
This program is designed for students ages 6–11 and is perfect for homeschool families looking to supplement their curriculum with engaging educational experiences. Whether your child is already into STEM or just beginning to explore how things work, this event will spark curiosity and build confidence.
Please note: space is very limited for this special event, and registration is required. Be sure to sign up early to reserve your spot!
And that’s not all—this Brick Challenge is just the beginning! Homeschool Happenings will meet once a month from September through April, offering a variety of enriching programs specially tailored to homeschool families. Each session will feature different themes, activities, and guest presenters to support learning and build community.
We can’t wait to welcome you to another great year of discovery, creativity, and connection at the library. See you there!