Milford Town Library Annual Report - 2006

Public libraries occupy an important role in the communities they serve. They are open to all people regardless of age, ability, education, or economic status. They provide, vital social spaces, cultural resources, and reflect some of society’s noblest values: democracy, social justice, learning, creativity, and curiosity. The Milford Town Library endeavors to champion these values in the community.

In 2006, the long anticipated and much needed reconfiguration of the library began in November. This renovation will expand meeting room space, provide dedicated space for Young Adult and English as a Second Language programs. It will upgrade maintenance and technology systems, and provide new finishes to brighten up the library’s appearance. The construction project should be completed by the fall of 2007.

Despite ongoing construction, the library still offers a wide variety of services, materials, and programs.

Available library programs include:

Storytime and Special Programs for Children – The library regularly offers Story & Craft programs for children ages birth to 10. These programs will be located at Memorial Hall for the duration of our renovation project.

Chillin Zone After School Program for Young Adults – Open Monday through Thursday, 2:30-4:30 PM, offering homework help, movies, videogames, computers and special programs. Always supervised by a librarian, and located at the Milford Youth Center for the duration of our renovation project.

English as a Second Language Program – This program, staffed by volunteers offers individual and group tutoring to those seeking to learn to speak better English. Drop In Classes are held Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights at 7 PM. These Drop In Classes will be held at the Senior Center during our renovation project.

Computer Classes – Free computer classes covering topics such as Basic Internet Use, Accessing Your Library Record, Search Engines, Microsoft Office - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and more.

Monthly Book Groups – from teen book groups, to the Senior Book Group, and the History Book Group.

Special Cultural and Recreational Programs – The library and the Friends of the Library offer many wonderful programs for adults and families. In 2006, some of these programs included a “Wolf Talk”, “Birds of Prey”, and “Gardening with Paul Parent”.

Available library services include:

Free Internet Access – 35,581 patrons accessed the Internet at the library in 2006.

Also new in 2006, WiFi access for patrons who bring in their own laptops!

Meeting Rooms – Library meeting rooms were used 819 times in 2006.

Library Tours– We will give tours and explain how to use library resources.

Museum Passes – Passes may be reserved online or at the library.

Free Notary service – Available Tuesday through Friday 2:30-4:30 PM.

Outreach visits to local schools and organizations – Call the library to schedule.

Reference inquiries answered – Almost 33,000 questions were answered in 2006.

Accommodations for the Sight Impaired – Computers with screen reading software and large screen, an enlarger for viewing photographs, large print materials.

Available library materials include books, DVDs, videos, CDs, software, audio books, magazines, foreign language materials, video games, downloadable eBooks, e-Audio books, and video. The library website at http://www.milfordtownlibrary.org can be used as a digital branch of the library. Users can access their library account and the library catalog, view full text magazine and newspaper articles, checkout downloadable library materials, see the events calendar, chat with a reference librarian, or view details of the library renovation - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

The Board of Library Trustees meets on the third Thursday of each month at 7 PM for general business meetings and these meetings are open to the public.

For additional information about the library check the website, read our weekly column in the Milford Daily News, read the monthly “Library Notes” newsletter, or just stop in and visit. We have something for everyone at the library.

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Board of Selectmen, the Town Administrator, the Youth Commission, the Highway Department, the Historic Commission, Community Use, and the Senior Center for helping us with the renovation project.

We’re grateful to the Friends of the Milford Town Library for all the wonderful programming and resources they provide. Many thanks to all the volunteers who help us provide great library service.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jennifer M. Perry

Director of Library Services

2005 Annual Report