Milford Library provides annual report to City Council

The Milford Public Library provided its annual report to Milford City Council, giving an brief synopsis of what the library had done over the past year. According to Kay Hudson, Director, the library has continued to operate during the pandemic.

“We tried to determine how we could help people while we were closed due to the governor’s orders,” Hudson said. “People were able to order books online. We set up appointments and called them so they could come in and pick up curbside. We marked parking spaces with numbers so they knew where to park and the staff would take the books to the brick wall around the library when the person pulled into their spot.”

Before the pandemic, Hudson explained that the Teen Center was becoming very active and that young people in Milford seemed to enjoy the programs offered there. One program included Air Force pilots which was well attended. In addition, the library is now part of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

“When a baby is born at Bayhealth, we have them fill out some information,” Hudson said. “Every month until the child turns five, they get a book sent to them by Dolly Parton. We want to emphasize how we have gone the extra mile so the citizens of Milford could continue getting library service. Our floors are marked with direction arrows and social distancing circles. We added sneeze guards at the checkout desk and have a self-service checkout option.”

Hudson also provided a video where she showed the book sanitizing machine that Milford installed early in the pandemic. Hudson stated that there were only ten of the machines available and that Milford was able to get the last one. All books that are returned are placed in a transit room until they can be sanitized and placed back in circulation.

“You have done a great job navigating through the COVID restrictions with curbside and other things,” Councilman Jason James said. “I applaud you for that.”

Councilman Brian Baer stated that the library was one of the reasons he and his wife chose to move to Milford.

“I am always amazed when I go to the library and see all the programs and services you offer to the community,” Councilman Mike Boyle said. “It is a gem. It really is.”

Hudson told council that she was very proud of the library and commented that the staff could not do what they do without the strong support of the community.