Groups to share Madison’s assets at library’s Newcomer’s Fair

MADISON – Anyone who has relocated recently to Madison, or long-time residents who want to stay informed about their vibrant community, can learn from the Newcomer’s Fair at Madison Public Library.

The Newcomer’s Fair is scheduled on Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

New and current residents can meet with representatives from key community groups. Club spokespersons will share activities or ongoing projects around Madsion.

Madison librarians urge new residents to make connections and learn more about their adopted hometown. Librarians will show features of the community’s 21st-century library and Makerspace, which is a room that stores tools and devices, like a 3-D printer, that enable people to finish a project.

In addition, parents, caregivers and grandparents who tend to youngsters can find out about storytimes, book clubs, garden club and other opportunities to create and connect at the library.

This event is open to all adults (19 years old and older).

When the event opens, the audience will engage in meet-and-greet conversation with civic and service groups in the library auditoriums.

From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Program Room, the fair will shift to ‘Speed Friending,’ a casual approach to finding new friends. For speed friending sessions at the library, participants often bring a book to discuss. Participants will have a few minutes to chat with each new friend.

At noon, Lana White Music will provide live entertainment on the patio. White is a singer-songwriter who makes a unique impact with her soulful, Indie soft-rock sound.

In eight years, Lana has released four albums and three Eps. Her most recent work, “Be My Own Sunshine,” was released in May 2024. For more information, visit Facebook/Lana White Music.

Representatives will give a comprehensive view of Madison:

* Healthcare — Madison Hospital.

* Education — Rocket City Mom, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Home Instruction for Parents of Pre-school Youngsters, Military Child Education Coalition, Learning Quest, Friends of the Madison Library.

* Community development — Madison Visionary Partners, Madison Area Lions Club, Kiwanis Club, Madison Senior Center.

* Environment — Madison Greenways and Trails, Land Trust of North Alabama, Master Gardeners of North Alabama, Sierra Club.

* Civic awareness — I Vote Madison, Madison History Association.

* Fine arts — Burritt on the Mountain, Madison City Community Orchestra, WLRH.

* Community clubs — Madison Newcomer’s Club, Girl Scouts.

The event’s venue will be Auditorium 1 at the library. Carolyn Reagle is coordinating the Newcomer’s Fair. For more information, email creagle@hmcpl.org.

Madison Public Library’s address is 142 Plaza Blvd. Call 256-461-0046, or visit events.hmcpl.org/madison-public-library.