Pictured above is the 2021 Firefly Award Winner, The Box Turtle by Vanessa Roeder, available for checkout in the Children’s Department. Photo provided by Milford Public Library.

News Release

MILFORD — Vanessa Roeder’s 2021 Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Award winning book “The Box Turtle” is available for checkout in the children’s department of the Milford Public Library.

The Indiana Early Literacy Firefly award is an initiative to promote early childhood literacy. Every year, five children’s books are nominated for the firefly award based on their ability to encourage parents and children to use Every Child Ready to Read practices of talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing together. The award committee chooses nominees from a list of books submitted by library staff who work with children throughout the state.

Children ages 0-5 then vote for their favorite book. “The Box Turtle” won almost 40% of votes from over 2,300 submissions. It’s the story of Terrence, a turtle that was born without a shell. Terrence happily uses a box until someone points out that his box is a little weird. Terrence then goes on a journey to find a better shell. Follow him as he soon learns the importance of just being himself. “The Box Turtle” by Vanessa Roeder is on display at the children’s circulation desk. Check it out today if you haven’t had a chance to read this heartwarming and adorable story about finding the courage to be yourself.

Free Craft Materials In Children’s Department

The library has left over craft materials from its activity packets set up on a table in the children’s department. Patrons are welcome to take materials home to enjoy. These materials are free and available until supplies last. No library card needed.

Board Meeting

The Milford Public Library’s board will meet at 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 16, in the library meeting room located downstairs. Any community resident is invited to attend. The previous month’s board meeting minutes are available on the website’s “About Us” page. The meeting agenda will be posted on the library’s entrance doors prior to meeting.

Knitting Club

Ready to make some fun knitting projects? Bring your materials over to the library and join the Knitting Club at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 19. Knitting Club meets in the teen area of the library. All experience levels are welcome. No library card needed.

New WiFi

The library is so excited to offer patrons a new and much faster Wi-Fi network. Since the old network is no longer accessible, Wi-Fi users will have to register to gain access to the new one. See one of the friendly staff for help with setting up an account. Registering to use the new wireless system will only take a few minutes, so sign up today. The new wireless system was made possible with grant funds from the Kosciusko County Community Foundation.