Name: The Great Big Book Festival
Start: 2026-11-07T09:00:00-06:00
Location: Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

Celebrate a full day of reading, writing, and connection at the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library! We’re thrilled to present the inaugural Great Big Book Festival on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the <a href="https://hmcpl.org/downtown" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Downtown Huntsville Public Library</a>. This exciting new all-day event brings together authors, book lovers, and anyone who enjoys all things literary. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover new stories, meet fellow readers, and connect at Your Library.
The GBBF features a robust lineup of free programming, including an author panel, book signings, and a selection of bookish vendors. Be sure to join us for our ticketed keynote event with best-selling author Ariel Lawhon, discussing her acclaimed novel The Pirate Queen, at 3:00 p.m.
For more information, please email <a href="mailto:GBBF@hmcpl.org?subject=Great%20Big%20Book%20Festival">GBBF@hmcpl.org</a>

Local Event: The Great Big Book Festival

Madison County

Huntsville Metropolitan Area

Huntsville

Alabama

The Great Big Book Festival

Celebrate a full day of reading, writing, and connection at the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library! We’re thrilled to...

Huntsville Botanical Garden

Learn, play, and connect during a relaxing weekend of American Mahjong at Huntsville Botanical Garden.
Whether you’re picking up a Mahjong tile for the first time or looking to build your confidence at the table, Mahjong in the Garden offers a welcoming experience for every skill level. Join certified instructors from Wanna Mahj on the private patio of Murray Hall, where you’ll enjoy expert instruction surrounded by the beauty of the Garden.
Each session includes light snacks and refreshments, along with plenty of opportunities to ask questions, practice your skills, and connect with fellow players. Before or after your session, take time to explore the Garden and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
 This event is part of FestiFall, presented by First Horizon Bank.
FestiFall is Huntsville Botanical Garden’s annual celebration of the season, transforming the Garden throughout September and October with festive experiences for all ages. Explore seasonal displays, favorite traditions, unique events, and fresh reasons to visit all fall long.

Local Event: Mahjong in the Garden

Mahjong in the Garden

Learn, play, and connect during a relaxing weekend of American Mahjong at Huntsville Botanical Garden.
Whether you’re picking...

South Huntsville Public Library

Work on your writers craft! Teens ages 12-17 can join us in the Kids Classroom at South Huntsville Library most Mondays for a writers hangout. In this laid back group for young writers, teens can do the following: work on their writing in a group setting; do writing exercises; discuss their writing or writing in general with other teens; receive feedback on a 3-6 page typed, double-spaced &amp; printed excerpt of their writing. This is not a writing class, but a chance work on writing while engaging with peers.

Local Event: Teen Writers Hangout

Teen Writers Hangout

Work on your writers craft! Teens ages 12-17 can join us in the Kids Classroom at South Huntsville Library most Mondays for a...

Madison Public Library

The movie will be shown in AUDITORIUM 1 of the Madison Public Library.

Local Event: The MAD Movie-A-Thon-O-Rama

The MAD Movie-A-Thon-O-Rama

The movie will be shown in AUDITORIUM 1 of the Madison Public Library.

Calling all book lovers! &nbsp;Join us for The Frozen River&nbsp;book discussion by best-selling author, Ariel Lawhon at the Madison Library.&nbsp; &nbsp;Ariel Lawhon is the keynote author at The Great Big Book Festivalon November 7. &nbsp;Meet fellow readers, hear about The Great Big Book Festival and discuss this historical fiction novel set in 1789 Maine, featuring the unforgettable Martha Ballard. The Frozen River is a NPR best book of the year!&nbsp; Copies of the The Frozen River are available to check out while supplies last at the Madison branch or order a copy <a href="https://catalog.hmcpl.org/GroupedWork/5c1437c4-7db1-2856-2710-ba398ab33545-eng/Home?searchId=20449334&amp;recordIndex=2&amp;page=1&amp;searchSource=local&amp;referred=resultIndex" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">HERE</a>.

Local Event: The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon Book Discussion

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon Book Discussion

Calling all book lovers!  Join us for The Frozen River book discussion by best-selling author, Ariel Lawhon at the Madison...

Celebrate the 250th anniversary of The Declaration of Independence this year at Downtown with a search for The Great American Novel.

Local Event: We The Readers

We The Readers

Celebrate the 250th anniversary of The Declaration of Independence this year at Downtown with a search for The Great American...

READY! SET! ASSEMBLE!
Gather up your team of 4 and compete in this speed puzzling competition!
REGISTRATION: <a href="https://calendly.com/asprogramming-hmcpl/speed-puzzling-competition-oct-6" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://calendly.com/asprogramming-hmcpl/speed-puzzling-competition-oct-6</a>
<ul><li>The team lead registers for the event and will list their other 3 team members.</li><li>Teams must check in between 5:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m.</li><li>Everyone is expected in their seats at their table no later than 5:45 p.m.</li><li>Teams will compete to assemble identical 500-piece puzzles.</li><li>The competition ends once a team has finished the puzzle. Any team that wishes to finish after that time is welcome to do so.</li><li>In the event that no team finishes, judges will declare a winner based on number of pieces completed.</li><li>Rounds take place October 6, 13, 20, and 27 with a total of 20 teams competing.</li><li>The Championship round takes place November 10th and will include the winning teams of each of the 4 previous rounds. Identical 1000-piece puzzles will be worked during this round.</li><li>The winning team of each round will receive a prize!</li><li>The winning team of the Championship round on November 10th will receive a Grand Prize!</li><li>Teams can only register for 1 round.</li><li>NOTE: If you don't have a team, but would like to be on one, email asprogramming@hmcpl.org and you will be placed on a "potential team" list.</li></ul>
This event is for Adults 19+
This event takes place in the 1st floor Atrium.

Local Event: Speed Puzzling Competition

Speed Puzzling Competition

READY! SET! ASSEMBLE!
Gather up your team of 4 and compete in this speed puzzling competition!
REGISTRATION:...

Experience the wonder of birds of prey during a live Raptor Show presented by the Auburn University Raptor Center at Huntsville Botanical Garden.
Set against the natural beauty of the Garden’s Amphitheatre, this engaging presentation introduces guests to the fascinating world of hawks, owls, falcons, and other native raptors. Meet these incredible birds up close as expert handlers share their unique adaptations, natural behaviors, and important roles in Alabama’s ecosystems.
Watch breathtaking flight demonstrations, learn about wildlife conservation, and discover what makes these remarkable birds such skilled hunters. Perfect for guests of all ages, the Raptor Show offers an unforgettable opportunity to connect with nature through education, exploration, and awe.This event is part of FestiFall, presented by First Horizon Bank.FestiFall is Huntsville Botanical Garden’s annual celebration of the season, transforming the Garden throughout September and October with festive experiences for all ages. Explore seasonal displays, favorite traditions, unique events, and fresh reasons to visit all fall long.

Local Event: Raptor Show (11:00 AM Show)

Raptor Show (11:00 AM Show)

Experience the wonder of birds of prey during a live Raptor Show presented by the Auburn University Raptor Center at Huntsville...

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The Great Big Book Festival

Event Details

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