Friends of the Children's Room celebrate 10 years

MILFORD - Ten years ago, a group of local teenagers who shared a common interest for the library and helping children grow and learn formed the Friends of the Children’s Room of Pike County Public Library. The group strove to establish a closer relationship between the children’s room and the children it serves, by promoting and enriching the resources and programs at PCPL. A decade has passed since the Friends of the Children’s Room was formed. Since then, the group has recarpeted and repainted the children’s room in the Milford Branch of the library, purchased stuffed animals and books, and planned and carried out countless children’s programs. Since 1996, the organization has come full circle. The children summer reading program participants, who grew up taking advantage of the Friends of the Children’s Room’s efforts at the turn of the millennium, now run the group themselves. On Sunday, Oct. 1, members past and present took the day to commemorate 10 years of success. At the Sept. 11 Milford Borough Council meeting, Mayor Merritt Quinn presented a resolution officially declaring Oct. 1 as “Friends of the Children’s Room Day” in the Borough of Milford. Friends of the Children’s Room Day kicked off at Delaware Valley High School with a special performance by the Steven Courtney Band. His songs are an important part of the summer reading programs at PCPL, allowing children a chance to enjoy fun and interactive programs with Courtney’s prevailing positive message. After the concert, the band and Friends members and committee officers headed to the Best Western Inn at Hunts Landing to continue the festivities with a dinner banquet. At the banquet hall, which had been decorated earlier with mementos accumulated over the years, the committee members ran games in between food and speakers. The speakers included Steven Courtney. FCR President Ryan Balton, Borough Council President Matt Osterberg, library Executive Director Susan Jeffery, Friends past president and co-founder Maureen (Carmody) Adamcik and Friends adviser for ten years, Eileen Carmody. The Friends group is currently holding a Gertrude Hawk chocolate bar fundraiser. Proceeds resulting from chocolate and concert ticket sales are planned to benefit the construction of the children’s room in the new Milford Branch of Pike County Public Library. The 10-year Anniversary was made possible by generous donations and support from the Delaware Valley School District, Geba Realty, Pike County Public Library, and the Ann Street School/Milford United Methodist Church. For more information, contact pcplfcr@gmail.com .