Milford Library’s Summer Reading Program “Colors Our World” with Fun, Learning, and Lifelong Benefits – Updated

Free events, prizes, and educational enrichment available for children, teens, and adults through August

MILFORD, Del. — The Milford Public Library is once again inviting readers of all ages to turn the page on summer boredom with its annual Summer Reading Program, running now through August 9 for teens and adults and August 10 for children. This year’s theme, “Color Our World,” is designed to spark imagination, foster learning, and build community through books and interactive events.

Part of the statewide Delaware Libraries Summer Reading initiative, the program encourages participants to log books and activities online, earn badges, prizes, and join a variety of free, themed events hosted by the library. Registration is available through Beanstack where participants can select the challenge that best fits their age group.

Upcoming events include:

• • Boba Tea Workshop

    • Date: June 26th  2:00-3:00pm

    • Description: Learn about the history of Taiwan’s favorite drink while enjoying a custom boba tea. All materials provided. For ages 12–18. No registration required.

  • Horseshoe Crab Presentation – Under the Portico

    • Date: Saturday, June 28 at 12:00 PM

    • Description: Join a family-friendly presentation on horseshoe crabs in partnership with The American Littoral Society. All ages welcome. Will be held under the portico; alternate plans for inclement weather.

  • Confetti Bookmarks & Friendship Bracelets

    • Date: Tuesday, July 1 from 3:00–6:30 PM

    • Description: An afternoon of crafting in the Children’s Room. Kids can create bookmarks filled with confetti and colorful friendship bracelets.

  • Feeling Rock Music and Movement

    • Date: Thursday, July 3 at 10:30 AM

    • Description: A music and movement-based class for newborns to age 5 with family interaction. Registration required.

  • Our Community is Colorful Downtown Milford Scavenger Hunt

    • Date: Saturday, July 19 from 11:00 AM–1:00 PM

    • Description: Join the Milford Public Library Children’s Staff for a scavenger hunt starting at the library. Participants will follow clues around Downtown Milford. Registration required.

Children can also benefit from the Free Summer Lunch Program, available from June 9 through August 1, helping to ensure that learning and nourishment go hand in hand.

Why Summer Reading Matters

Programs like Color Our World provide far more than entertainment—they play a critical role in child development and educational success. Without regular reading and learning during the summer months, students can lose as much as two to three months of academic progress, a phenomenon known as the “summer slide.”

Summer reading helps prevent this learning loss by keeping young minds engaged in a fun, structured way. It encourages a lifelong love for reading, supports vocabulary and comprehension growth, and improves academic performance, especially in reading and language arts.

Equally important are the social and emotional benefits. Books introduce children to new ideas, cultures, and perspectives, helping them build empathy and critical thinking. Many stories explore themes like friendship, perseverance, and courage, providing valuable lessons in resilience.

For families without access to extensive resources, summer reading programs also help bridge gaps.  Summer reading programs address literacy education or hands-on engagement. Milford Library’s program includes prepared meals, creative workshops, and reading events tailored specifically to the needs of the local community.

“Our summer reading program is more than a library tradition—it’s a community movement that keeps children learning, families engaged, and imaginations thriving,” said a library spokesperson. “It’s one of the best things families can do together during the summer.”

To register or learn more, visit https://milford.lib.de.us.