Sarah Sledge, second from left, prepares to flip pancakes at Grits and Gratitude, hosted by Madison Friends of the Library. City officials enjoying homemade breakfast dishes included councilman Mike Potter, from left, councilman Ronica Ondocsin, Madison Fire Chief Ralph Cobb and Council President Tommy Overcash. (RECORD PHOTO/GREGG PARKER)

MADISON – Appreciation was the theme and a delicious breakfast was the menu for the third annual “Grits and Gratitude,” hosted by Madison Friends of the Library on Nov. 14.

“We wanted to show our appreciation to Madison City officials, department heads, volunteers and other supporters for helping make the Madison library the best place to study, learn, read and gather in town,” ‘Friends’ members Dave and Liz Butler said.

The Friends appropriately encouraged guests to “bring your appetite.” Tables were full of breakfast treats, such as chicken biscuits, fruit salad, cheese grits and Liz Butler’s pumpkin trifle. Library branch manager Sarah Sledge managed the griddle to cook made-to-order pancakes.

Cindy Hall, longtime library volunteer and ‘Friends’ member, prepared her scrumptious homemade cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing. The ‘Friends’ and librarians donated all the food.

“The Madison Friends of the Library recognize the combined community effort that makes Madison Library successful. Grits and Gratitude is our way of thanking our community leaders, stakeholders and partners who help us in ways both large and small,” Sledge said.

Madison Public Library is the busiest branch in the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library system.

City workers also give the library an outreach forum through the Madison Street Festival, Madison Gazebo Concerts, Madison Chamber of Commerce Business Expo and other events, Dave Butler said.

The ‘Friends’ acknowledged “other city departments who participate directly in library events, such as the annual Fun Run. Workers provide emergency vehicles for display, indirect assistance and help with traffic control,” Butler said.

The ‘Friends’ also “would like to express our gratitude to members of the local press who always are willing to promote library events and report on library news,” Butler said.

Madison Public Library’s address is 130 Plaza Blvd. For more information about the ‘Friends,’ call 256-461-0046, email to madisonfriendsofthelibrary@gmail.com or visit Facebook/Madison Friends of the Library.