The Huntsville Madison County Public Library was founded in 1818, when Alabama was still a part of the Mississippi Territory and it is the oldest continuing library in the state. The current facility's main branch, sometimes referred to as "Fort Book" for its fortress-like appearance, opened on Monroe Street in April 1987 and serves as the headquarters for the Huntsville Madison County Public Library System. Other locations in the County include full service outlets in Madison and Bailey Cove in southeast Huntsville. Smaller branches are located in North Huntsville, Hazel Green, Gurley, Monrovia and New Hope.