News From the Milford Public Library
Reading is a refuge. It’s been proven that deep reading – unlike superficial Internet skimming – exercises the brain, increases empathy and halts multitasking. It’s never too early to start a child on a literacy journey. According to Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the U.S’s largest children’s literacy nonprofit, “Reading to children before they can read to themselves stimulates their imagination, gives them a better understanding of the world, and instills knowledge of how important language is.”
For many parents, children, and caregivers, the library offers the opportunity to read and participate in programs and structured activities which engage children when they are not in school. Milford Public Library’s preschool story times, after school programs, and reading programs are all geared towards helping children learn to read and retaining their interest in the pursuit of knowledge.
Research shows that children need introduction to a wide variety of high quality books of various topics, genres, and perspectives in order to acquire literacy skills. Milford Public Library exposes children to great amounts of print and meaningful language opportunities during their crucial preschool and elementary school years.
“It’s really helped the girls learn to love reading and enjoy a wide variety of books,” said Laurie Beer, whose family frequently uses the library. “They wouldn’t have access to all the different books without the library; they’d just be stuck with what’s here at home.” Beer said that Milford Public Library’s use of Evergreen, a cataloging system that allows members to borrow materials from other Indiana libraries, has benefited her family by allowing her children to discover new series to enjoy.
It’s a known fact that kids who read for pleasure excel academically not only in language arts, but as recent research from the Institute of Education in London shows in math as well. Coming to the library as a family passes the appreciation for language and knowledge on from parent to child. In this well-equipped facility filled with books, magazines, Wifi, computers and year round services like Dial-A-Story available, families and individuals are sure to find whatever they need.
Using the library on a regular basis ensures a strong step up in a child’s climb to reading achievement and ultimately success in school and future careers. So please take the time to visit the Library, check out books for your family, participate in available programs, and become a regular user of the many services available.
Food and Fun Day
Join us for the third food and fun day this summer! This week, on July 10, we will make crafts about rocks. Come make your very own pet rock, a starburst rock cycle, make a rock, and eat some edible rocks! You will not want to miss this! We will have four sessions to choose from, 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. Sessions fill up fast, so stop in and get signed up for Rock science fun!
Teen Program
Teens are invited to join us on July 10 at 4 p.m. to learn how to make music and sound effects using scientific principles and common everyday items. Jim Myers returns for his third program for the teens this summer. Come on down to the meeting room and have some fun with Jim Myers and make music. We will do experiments such as a water glass piano, ice chorus, and squealing balloons. Teens 6th grade through graduating seniors are invited to join. A delicious snack will be provided as well as a door prize drawing. Hope to see you at 4 p.m. on July 10!
Family Story Time
Join us again this week for story time on Friday, July 11 at 11 a.m. Guest story teller, Maureen Haab, has melodious stories about Sound and Music. Listen to Mama Don’t Allow by Thacher Hurd and other wonderful stories. After Maureen reads, join her in making a musical craft and enjoying a snack. Come enjoy music, sounds, a musical craft, and a delicious snack. Don’t forget that each family gets to take home a book! See you on Friday, July 11, for stories, snack, and crafts about Music and Sound.