🌱 Author's School Visit Canceled + Hoover Library's 4-Legged Employee

Hello all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with your fresh copy of the Hoover Daily. Let's get this Thursday started off right, with a quick guide to the most important things happening in town these days.

But first, today's weather:

Morning rain, then t-storms. High: 47 Low: 37.

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Here are the top three stories today in Hoover:

1. In case you missed it: A Black children's book author's scheduled appearance at Hoover City Schools — and subsequent cancelation of the visit — has sparked controversy. Some parents in the district were said to have concerns regarding author Derrick Barnes' views he shared via social media; other parents have disagreed with the district's decision to cancel Barnes' appearance following this controversy. In a statement, Hoover City Schools stated the cancelation was "due to a lack of a contract requested on three occasions" and did not reference the author's posts or parents' thoughts on them. (WTVM 13)
2. This summer, you might spot a four-legged employee at the Hoover Public Library. Libby, a 1-year-old poodle, is currently training for her new role as a facility dog. Her job responsibilities will include participating in reading programming with children, attending community outreach events, and generally serving as a comforting presence in the library. (Hoover Sun)
3. If you've ever thought about renting out your home, you might not have to travel very far to get started. Nearby Birmingham was ranked the fourth-best city to open an Airbnb in, according to a recent analysis from Incfile. The Magic City received high marks for its relatively low cost of living compared to other major U.S. cities, making a rental home investment more accessible. (Subscription: Birmingham Business Journal)

Today in Hoover:

• How To Become A Travel Agent At Holiday Inn Birmingham-Hoover (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Hoover's Parks & Recreation Department invites the community to attend the grand opening of the fitness court at Veterans Park. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 3 p.m. (Hoover, Alabama - Parks & Recreation via Facebook)
• The Hoover Police Department is seeking the public's help in identifying a suspect. The individual (pictured at the link) is wanted for questioning in several car break-ins and theft of property cases around the Royal Oaks Drive area. (Hoover (AL) Police Department via Facebook)
• If you're looking for a new home, it's often easier to visualize yourself living there when you can see it in person. Here are five open houses happening this weekend in Hoover and Birmingham. (Hoover Patch)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.