The first chapter for summer reading begins at the library

MILFORD — Donning self-made Sherlock Holmes caps and Sno-cone moustaches, children of all ages packed the lawn of the Milford Branch of the Pike County Public Library (PCPL) on June 26 for the kickoff of summer reading programs. This summer’s program theme is “Get a Clue at PCPL.” Each program, ranging from pre-K story hour to teen book discussions, will be themed appropriately over the next five weeks. Despite the 90-degree temperature, nearly 150 were in attendance, a record high for the sponsoring Friends of the Children’s room. The Friends of the Children’s Room of Pike County Public Library is an organization of teenagers who volunteer their time and effort to enhancing the children’s programs and resources at Pike County Public Library. The group formed in 1996 with a mission to supplement the personnel and funding for children’s library services across the county. The group works with the library and local businesses to fulfill PCPL’s mission to provide a lifetime of learning. The Friends prepared an arts and crafts table, refreshments, including nachos, hot dogs, Sno-cones and drinks, as well as presentations from special guests Scooby Doo and a folk storyteller, for the early evening event. Kids tugged their parents onto the grass and towards the Sno-cone machine, and then to the craft station, where they could color their own sleuth hats. A registration table was set up for parents who wished to pay the $3 to register themselves, or 50 cents for their child, to join the Friends, as well as purchase “Get a Clue” T-shirts. Soon after, families settled down on blankets and towels to listen to folk tales by storyteller Larry Seurman. Audience members were eager to participate in such stories as “The Mouse and the Cow,” and help out while Seurman magically made pictures appear in a seemingly empty coloring book. Though the tales, and kickoff, ended shortly after 8, young detectives went home for the night, ready for a summer of mystery solving and whodunits. Proceeds from the event benefit the operating budget of the children’s room at the Milford branch of PCPL. The “Get a Clue” event was made possible with in-kind sponsorship from Chang Mao Chinese Restaurant, Luhrs Ace Hardware, Pike County Public Library, and The Ann Street School/Milford United Methodist Church, as well as Friends advisor and summer program librarian Eileen Carmody. Some upcoming events from Friends of the Children’s Room include the “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” book release party. At midnight on Friday, July 20, Potter fans can meet at the Westfall Walmart for a night of craft making, a costume contest, giveaways, and all things Harry Potter. Additionally, the Friends will be holding its annual End-of-Summer party in mid August, with a talent show, games, and prizes to conclude the summer reading programs.