Press Release 12/11/2025
A New Chapter Begins: T-Mobile Grant to Enhance Library Programming Space
The Autauga Prattville Public Library is receiving a $50,000 T-Mobile Hometown Grant – funding that will transform a donated programming trailer into a fully renovated, dedicated community program space. The upgraded space will support the library’s nearly 500 programs offered each year, expanding access to literacy, creativity, and hands-on learning for families across Prattville.
A standout feature of the project will be a large exterior mural, creating a vibrant visual centerpiece for the community and a welcoming destination for public programming.
Mayor Bill Gillespie, Jr. shared:
“We deeply appreciate T-Mobile’s investment in the City of Prattville. This grant will be instrumental in inspiring and igniting educational resources for our library. This project will broaden opportunities for learning, creativity, and connections, and we are proud to have T-Mobile as a partner on this initiative that will benefit Prattville families for years to come.”
Since 2021, T-Mobile’s Hometown Grants program has invested nearly $645,000 in 15 small towns across Alabama, helping rural and small-town communities strengthen education, infrastructure, technology, and public spaces.
Press Release 9/16/2025
Autauga-Prattville Public Library Announces “Help Bear the Build”
Fundraiser for New Library Building
PRATTVILLE, AL – The Autauga-Prattville Public Library is proud to announce “Help Bear the Build,” a family-friendly fundraising event to support construction of the library’s new building. The bear-stuffing experience will take place on Saturday, September 20th, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
For $22 per participant, families can enjoy a complete bear-building experience that includes receiving a new unstuffed teddy bear, stuffing it with love and giving it a heart, adding a personalized bandana and name, and taking home a personalized birth certificate along with their new furry friend.
“This event is more than fun – it’s foundational,” said Tammy Bear, Director of the Autauga- Prattville Public Library. “Every bear built supports the future of our library and creates a lasting legacy for our community.”
Community members can register and pay for the event in person at the library using cash, check, or card, or online at www.appl.info. The registration deadline is August 21st.
The fundraiser represents an important step in the library’s efforts to build a new facility that will better serve the growing needs of the Prattville community. The bear-stuffing event offers families an opportunity to create memories while directly contributing to this vital community resource.
The Autauga-Prattville Public Library serves the residents of Autauga County, providing essential educational resources, programming, and community services.
For more information about “Help Bear the Build” or the new library building project, contact Faith Pierce at (334) 365-3396 or fpierce@appl.info.
Press Release May 22, 2025
For Immediate Release
The Prattville Library Invites You to the Summer Reading Program Kick-Off Party
PRATTVILLE, Ala., May 22, 2025 – The Autauga-Prattville Public Library (APPL) invites the community to its Summer Reading Program Kick-off Party on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Prattville Library branch. This free, family-friendly event marks the beginning of APPL’s annual Summer Reading Program. The Summer Reading Program is designed to spark excitement for reading across all ages. Attendees can enjoy bouncy houses, inflatables, face painting, games, crafts, and more. Every child will receive a goody bag filled with fun prizes. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Attendees can also place bids on silent auction items donated by local businesses, with all proceeds supporting the Library’s new building.
“The heart of the Summer Reading program is to help foster a love of reading and learning in our community,” said APPL Director Tammy Bear. “If you can’t make the kick-off party, we have a full schedule of exciting summer events. I hope to see you there!”
The Summer Reading Program is designed to encourage Autauga County residents to keep reading all summer long. Beginning on June 7 th through July 18, the library will host weekly activities and events. Programs are offered free of charge and segmented by age group. This ensures that everyone, from toddlers to senior adults, can find inspiration to read this summer. This year’s theme, “Color Our World,” celebrates the myriad of ways art enriches our lives. Highlights for this year include: a family magic show, toddler sing-a-long with acoustic music, a silent disco for teens, professional headshots for adults and much more. For the full event schedule and additional details visit www.appl.info.
Serving Autauga County since 1956, the Autauga-Prattville Public Library is a vibrant community hub for connection, discovery, engagement, and fun. In addition to an extensive book collection, the library boasts numerous amenities to help meet the needs of the community such as printing, faxing, notary services, computers with internet access, a growing library of things, eBooks, streaming, language learning, homework help, and much more! To learn more about library hours, programs, and resources, visit www.appl.info.
Media Inquiries:
APPL Director Tammy Bear — tbear@appl.info
APPL Children’s Programmer Kim Ivey — Kivey@appl.info
Phone: (334) 365-3396
Press Release May 16, 2024
Autauga Prattville Public Library
For Immediate Release:
Prattville, AL – The Board of Trustees of the Autauga-Prattville Public Library and former library director Andrew Foster jointly released the following statement today concerning a settlement of Mr. Foster’s claims against the Board:
“Andrew Foster and the Autauga-Prattville Public Library Board of Trustees have reached a final settlement agreement under which Mr. Foster will not be reinstated; Mr. Foster releases all claims against the Board, its members, and its counsel, and, in lieu of a name-clearing hearing, the Board states that Mr. Foster was not terminated for a violation of criminal or ethics laws as later reported in press accounts, but for other stated reasons. Under the agreement, all parties deny any wrongdoing.”
Press Release April 9, 2024
Autauga Prattville Public Library
For Immediate Release:
Autauga Prattville Public Library Takes Swift Action After Receiving Report of Obscene Book
Prattville, AL – The Autauga Prattville Public Library today released the following statement after receiving a report of obscene material in the library’s collection:
During a regularly scheduled field trip to the library, a student from a school in Autauga County found a book containing sexually explicit images. The child was severely disturbed so he informed his parents who then informed library staff.
APPL staff was able to confirm the incident with the school and using video footage from the library’s security cameras. The book in question is My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness, a graphic novel that illustrates a sexual encounter between an escort and client in a short stay hotel.
APPL swiftly removed the book from the shelves, as it violates the library’s policies. After further investigation it was determined that this book was received as a donation and was added to the collection in January by staff personnel who are no longer employed by APPL.
APPL staff is working tirelessly to ensure an incident like this does not happen again. It is APPL’s policy that such obscene material has no place in a public space where children frequent every day. APPL takes the vital role it plays in the community very seriously and seeks to provide a safe and family-friendly library experience.
The Autauga Prattville Public Library respects the privacy of this family and wishes for anyone with a concern about inappropriate material in the library to feel safe reporting it to library personnel. In order to protect the privacy of the child and family impacted by this incident, and to avoid discouraging concerned parents from bringing similar reports of inappropriate material in the future, the names of the child, parents, and school involved will not be disclosed.
