The Milford library summer reading program has activities for children, teens and adults. Courtesy of Milford Public Library.
The Milford Public Library is inviting children, teens and adults to go on adventures this summer.
“Adventure” is the theme of the library summer reading program, with multiple events running June 15 through Aug. 17. “We’re excited,” library director Lea Rosell said, and she’s particularly hyped by the June 29 comic magic show by Ran’D Shine
Participants who read enough or do enough will earn badges, prizes, tickets to end-of-season events and raffles for theme gift baskets. Last year, about 450 people signed up, and about half earned prizes.
Kim O’Hea, Kylie Wagner and Carolyn Tabor – who direct the children’s, teen and adult sections at the library – have been working with many others to tie each program to the theme and to finalize the gift baskets.
Some adventures are obvious, like the July 9 animal expo, with the guests including animals from the Milford High FFA. On the Aug. 6 aquatics program with the DuPont Nature Center, featuring stories and crafts with a focus on the Delaware Bay animals and plants.
Some adventures are not obvious, like the gathering of local authors on July 5. “Writing a book is an adventure,” Rosell said, adding that she expects about 10 local authors at the event.
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None of the gift cards for the summer reading prize baskets have been confirmed yet, but Rosell noted that the Irish Rose Gift Shop, Park Place Restaurant and Lounge and Dolce Bakery and Coffee Shop have contributed in the past.
Rosell became library director in August and has begun rethinking the library’s ambiance and its mission.
For one, there were too many signs telling patrons what that couldn’t do. “No blinking. No breathing,” she said, jokingly. “I ripped them all down.”
For another, the library has received some state funding to reach out to various community stakeholders to see how they evaluate the library and see how the library could help them. “We want to break down barriers and become more of a community center for the 21st century,” she said.
Here are the lineups for summer reading programs. Some events are geared to more than one group.
“Adventure” is the theme for the Milford library summer reading program. Courtesy of Milford Public Library.
Children’s events at the Milford library
To complete the Children’s Summer Reading Program, children must read at least 20 books. For every five books they read, they will get a prize. After completing summer reading, participants will be invited to an end of Summer Reading Party on Aug. 17. Children’s events:
June 15, 11 a.m. – Delaware AeroSpace Education Foundation
June 29, 6-7 p.m. – Magic Show with Ran’D Shine
July 2, 10:30 a.m. – Artist Storyteller
July 9, 5:30-7 p.m. – Animal Expo
July 25, 10:30 a.m. – Story Time with Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife
August 2, 5-7 p.m. – Face Painting and Balloon Twisting
Aug. 6, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Live Aquatic Animals with the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife (registration required)
Aug. 17 – Summer Reading Party
Teen events at the Milford library
To complete the Teen Summer Reading Program, teens must read at least 15 books. Teens will receive badges and prizes for every two books read as well as a raffle ticket for the end of program drawing. Participants are invited to attend the Summer Reading Party. Teen events:
June 15, 2-4 p.m. – Summer Movie Night
June 29, 2-4 pm. – No-Bake Cookies
June 29, 6-7 p.m. – Magic Show with Ran’D Shine
July 5, 5-7 p.m. – Local Author Event, part of First Friday
July 9, 5:30-7 p.m. – Animal Expo
July 13, 2-4 p.m. – Ice Cream in a Bag STEM
July 27, 2-4 p.m. – Water Gun Tie-Dye T-shirt
Aug. 3, 2-4 p.m. – Making Candy Sushi
Aug. 6, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Live Aquatic Animals with the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife (registration required)
Aug. 17, noon-1:30 p.m. – Summer Reading Party
Adult events at the Milford library
To complete the Adult Summer Reading Program, participants must read or listen to at least five books and log them online or on their reading log. They will receive prizes and raffle tickets for every five books read, up to 25. Additional tickets may be earned by attending these library-sponsored events. Adult events:
Music in the Park, 7-8 p.m.
June 26 – Delaware Army Band
July 3 – On the Edge
July 10 – Glass Onion
July 17 – Mike Hines & the Look
July 24 – Milford Community Band
July 31 – Mariachi Band
American History Series, 1-2 p.m.
This series is a partnership with the Milford Museum.
June 8 – Rosedale Beach
July 11 – Fort DuPont
Aug 10 – Fort Delaware
July 5, 5-7 p.m.- Local Author Event, for First Friday
Aug. 15, 1 p.m. – Summer Reading Party, Picnic Under the Portico
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