Decatur Public Library, just off 6th Avenue was my hang out when I attended Calhoun Community…read moreCollege! I commuted to Calhoun in Decatur from Huntsville and rather than drive back to Huntsville between classes, I would hang out in this library! Although not as large as the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, Decatur Public Library had everything I needed to pass the time: magazines, a place to catch up on homework and study, books to flip through, and creature comforts (heating in winter months, A/C in hot months, and restrooms). Based on other reviews here, it appears this library now offers all the "modern" amenities that people look for in a public library these days: Wi-Fi, computing and printing, an online catalog accessible from your home, ebooks, interlibrary loans, meeting spaces, and a Friends of the Library used bookstore. The staff here were always friendly and it made a lovely place to relax or study while attending Calhoun!

The library is a staple in the community. It's easy to find what you need and the staff it's always…read morehelpful.

Very Nice People work there It is a FANTASTIC PLACE to study…read moreand to research. It is a good place for students to have a relaxing place to do homework. I know, I was once a student, and did my homework there because it is peaceful there.

Lawdy, we've used HPL since I was a twinkle in my Mother's eye and it was located on Fountain…read moreCircle. Then, they had framed artwork available for checkout and Mom kept those in full rotation at home - pretty cool! I participated in Daughters of the Revolution flag speech competitions in elementary school which were held at the library. It was always a thrill when the bookmobile would park up the street at John's Big Brothers! Yes, I was a serious book nerd, especially as a child. My family purchased numerous memorial materials for departed friends and loved ones and have donated items to HPL consistently over the years. Dewey Decimal System anyone? :) I can't find the date this library was built; however, it's been a while. Before moving out of Madison county, I used the library a lot. I loved the online renewal process and enjoyed their CDs, DVDs, books (of course) and many purchases from the Friends of the Library bookstore (the volunteers there are sooooooo sweet and helpful!). Glancing at their policies, who knew they had a darkroom available for use in 4 hour increments? I've also enjoyed several of the smallish art displays they had inside (not the window displays, which are nice) but a true small artist's exhibit The staff have always been helpful, and their computers do the trick now that the card catalogs are long gone. I live in an adjacent county now and I work in HSV (and own property in Huntsville), and here's the rub: when I last checked because I do not reside in Huntsville proper an HPL card was $50.00/year. S e r i o u s l y. I think that is steep and ridiculous, especially when I own property in HSV! I also have to ding them on the tiny parking spaces and the sketchiness of those who hang out in the parking lot. If you can get past those dings, you will find a vast array of books, sources for geneological research (this section is the Heritage Collection, I believe it is located on the 3rd floor - hard left as you exit the stairs) and an obituary index, local history, additional digital resources such as Rosetta Stone to learn languages, a great selection of current magazines to peruse and CDs galore ranging from Taylor Swift to the Boston Symphony. They have a microfilm/microfiche section that "includes an almost complete run of The Huntsville Times from 1928 - 2015, along with many early Huntsville papers, including The Huntsville Democrat, Southern Advocate, and the Mercury papers." I recall they had decades of Huntsville phone books (a throw back to back when that was a thing) and (I could be wrong about this) church membership directories. Their children's section is fairly expansive too and often had children's artwork on display. Oh, and they do have an after hours drop box. They have ~ 11 branches in Madison county and do a great job of sharing materials, if another branch has what you are searching for, within a few days they will have that item at a branch convenient to your home or work. Reading their COVID policies, it sounds like they are doing a great job with that! Do "check out" the library - "create |explore | connect!"

Kind, welcoming library staff. It is a small branch but has a diverse collection and ease in…read morerequesting materials from other branches within the system. This library has some very cool groups and events to check out as well.

Meeting rooms require one week of notice to make a reservation even though meeting rooms are not…read moretaken and are available that week. Meeting rooms stay empty and people can use the facilities much more productively request management change policy, the most wait could be 24 hrs or walk ins. Will be the best thing to do as is being he done for the study rooms.

This is not run like a library, it should state community center for loud kids and loud people…read moreplaying cards or games. Dont come if you need to actually study or have a quiet time. If you have 3-4 kids cause you are a stay at "home" mom, then its great. Otherwise, id rather go to the one downtown. And they never have the choice in books, at a library that i need.

Delicious food & great customer service. Healthy options were available. Will be back next time I'm…read morein town.

In Decatur, there are four buildings that survived the Civil War, including The Old State Bank. I…read morehad really intended on just snapping a picture but it happened to be open late that day for high school seniors taking pictures so the old judge/tour guide ushered me in. Such a neat building and the guide was full of good information. The tour is free, doesn't take long and you get to see the vault used as a hospital in the Civil War, as well as the bankers apartment upstairs. Beautiful house. The second floor apartment area is furnished with antiques from the 1830's, and gives a glimpse into life in the early Tennessee Valley. The coolest part to me was seeing the big dents in the columns out front where canon balls hit and bullet holes from the CIVIL FREAKING WAR! Never would have known that without the guide! This bank was one of three banks authorized by The Alabama General Assembly in 1832. Few structures can boast as varied a past as the Bank. Since its construction, the building has weathered two depressions and a Civil War, and has served as a hospital guardhouse, bank, and dance hall. Named to the National Register of Historical Places in 1972, the Classic Revival architecture of the Bank is symbolic of the period in which it was built. The building is decorated with antique pieces from the Federal and Empire period. It's the oldest standing bank in Alabama. In the early 1800's the settlement of Decatur was virtually unknown. The placement of the state bank in Decatur gave the area a new significance and aided in its transition to established town. In addition to establishing Decatur's importance in the state, the bank also heralded a new era in which banking played an increasingly important role in developing state economy. The decision to locate a branch of the state bank in Decatur was one of the first events in the town's early history to lift Decatur from relative obscurity and give it a special role in the state. Several previous attempts to institute a state banking system had failed, but the legislature would again pass a bill in 1830 to establish a state bank. Branch bank locations were established in Mobile, Montgomery and Decatur; with the Decatur bank opening on July 29, 1833. The Decatur bank reported a profit of $84,028.22 in its first year of operation. A spirit of optimism surrounded the banks and is evidenced by the legislature's decision to run the sate government from the bank profits and abolish direct taxation. Unfortunately, the good times were short-lived, as a nationwide depression in 1837 and other factors contributed to the decline of the state banks. Despite attempts to improve and reform and improve the state banks, the Decatur bank franchise was revoked by 1845. Though the banking experience ended in failure, it showed the importance of banks in a developing state economy, and the need for a safe and stable bank system. On a local basis, the bank would serve as a catalyst for Decatur's transition from "frontier village" to "town." Architecturally, the Old State Bank played a significant role in the influence and development of architectural style in Alabama for several decades. By combining elements of the Federal style with the Greek Revival style, the Old State Bank introduced a new look and influenced building style in Alabama until the Civil War.

The guides are fantastic. Tons of information on the history of Decatur. The model train set is…read morereally something to see. Tour is free. Seriously go see the model train setup. The models of the local houses are incredible.

Now restored!! Drive by and check it out. The City of…read moreDecatur has bought this historic depot, and completed a $2.5 million major restoration. The south part of the depot will be a museum. It will house a theater, and there will be a large model train layout of the city of Decatur. The museum should be complete about Spring of 2017. I hope to update my review then, and add another star or two! The north part of the building will be used as office space by the Decatur civilian police department.

This historical marker is appropriately enough in Ingalls Harbor and it remembers Robert Ingalls…read moreand his shipyard, which he opened in 1937 to build dredges, towboats and barges for coastal and river service. With World War II approaching, Ingalls Shipyard realized they were too small here and relocated to Pascagoula, Mississippi.

JUST LIKE GOING TO GRANDMA'S!…read more This office is located in a cute little house that may remind you go your grandparent's home. It is a yellow two-story home on the corner and you will need to park in the rear. Once you make your way to the front porch, you will need to knock loudly because they are on a busy and noisy main road. They also may be in the upstairs office when you visit. Once you enter, you will feel as if you have entered someone's home office because they have unique antique furnishings and a wooden stairway in the main area. You will find many brochures that are specific to the area. I was specifically interested in their downtown area and the Civil War tour. The employee who assisted us was very helpful and answered all of my husband's questions while I was taking in the decor and ambiance. We were in the area to attend their Third Friday event which proved to be very disappointing. They had no street vendors selling food and when we are attending an event, we don't want to leave the action to hunt for food. I understand that they did not want competition with the local restaurants but snacks and treats would have been appreciated. Also, a main stage with seating would have been nice to showcase the musical act that was located at one end of the street. They were also going to feature dancers but they had not arrived by the time we left around 6 pm. Since we arrived so late in the day, we missed the Civil War tour so that will be first on my list if I get to visit again in the future. I did enjoy visiting the local merchants as they were very warm and welcoming. Thanks Decatur!

Before leaving home, my husband downloaded the Old Decatur Historic District and the Albany…read moreHistoric District walking tour maps. You can stop at the Decatur Visitor Center on 6th Ave. to pick up a brochure. We did this as a driving tour. We enjoyed seeing the old homes (known as the "Painted Ladies") and the different architectural styles of the last 19th and early 20th century homes. Part of the Old Albany tour is the Princess Theater. To really appreciate it would best be done at night to see the neon lights of the marquee.