Visit the Milanof-Schock Library and it’s obvious that it’s a beloved and very utilized part of the community.
The programs presented by Miss Jan are always well-received and well-attended.
As the very popular event facilitator, “Miss Jan”, noted, library personnel were nearly overwhelmed by the kick-off to the Summer Reading Program that was held in early June. “We had 345 children here on Saturday,” she noted. “It was a huge success!” she said of the event that saw every child leave with a gift of a book.
The library’s roots date to 1962, when a Girl Scout troop began operating a “library” as a community project. The demand exceeded expectations, prompting the establishment of a bookmobile stop in Mount Joy. Two years later, a library was established in an empty storefront. By 1993, it became obvious that the library had outgrown the space. A capital campaign was launched to raise $1.1 million. Two major gifts totaling more than $800,000 were provided by Anne Milanof (a volunteer at the library) and Clarence Schock (the head of SICO and its philanthropic foundation).
The Milanof-Schock Library, which opened in 1999, was named the “Best Small Library” in 2006 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Library Journal. The library’s offerings make it obvious why it has been able to develop such a community connection. Yes, books are the main draw, but the library offers so many ways for community members – especially children – to discover the world.
The newest endeavor is acquainting visitors with the environment and how each of us can protect it through the plants we grow and creating pollinator-friendly environs. It’s obvious the message is getting out – Miss Jan and her guests, Master Gardener Michael Cassidy and his wife, Jeanne, presented a pollinator program to a packed house on a recent Wednesday morning.
Making visitors aware of what they can do to help the environment is presented through books and visual projects that can be seen on the library’s grounds.
Family-friendly summer events are open to the public. Visit mslibrary.org to learn more.
Food Truck Thursdays
Food trucks will be onsite every Thursday through August 24 from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 5-7 p.m.
August 25: Love Your Library Benefit Bash
Event will feature live music, food trucks, games/activities and silent auction. 4-7 p.m.
1184 Anderson Ferry Rd., Mount Joy.
Mslibrary.org
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