History, community service, marine life, dinosaurs, literacy, live animals and even Pokémon GO will all be part of a busy week of free programming at the Milford Public Library, offering activities for residents of all ages while strengthening community partnerships throughout the city.
The week begins Saturday, July 11, with Helping Hands, a free community resource event hosted by Milford Advocacy for the Homeless from 10 a.m. until noon at the library. The event will connect residents with local organizations offering information, services and resources at no cost. Library officials note that while food may be served during the event, they cannot guarantee it has not come into contact with common allergens.
Later that afternoon at 1 p.m., the library will partner with the Milford Museum as part of the museum’s America 250 American History Series for a presentation, “Behind Every Great Man…Eliza Schuyler Hamilton.” Presented by Trish Chambers, the program explores the life of Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, highlighting her influence on husband Alexander Hamilton and the legacy she built through her own philanthropic and historical contributions following his death.
Families and Pokémon enthusiasts can also celebrate the game’s 10th anniversary during Pokémon GO Community Day, with separate events for children and teens beginning at 11 a.m. Participants will meet outside the library before exploring downtown Milford’s PokéStops and gyms. In the event of inclement weather, activities will move indoors. Registration is required.
The educational programming continues Tuesday, July 14, beginning at 11 a.m. when representatives from the MERR Institute will present “Baleen, Fins and Scales,” introducing participants to the whales, dolphins, seals and sea turtles that inhabit Delaware’s coastal waters. Attendees will learn about the ecology of marine mammals and sea turtles and the role they play in the state’s coastal ecosystem.
That afternoon, children can enjoy Animal Discoveries with Killens Pond at 1 p.m., where naturalists will introduce native Delaware turtles, snakes and toads through an interactive, hands-on experience. At 2 p.m., teens can attend Know It Owls, another Killens Pond program focusing on the unique adaptations that make owls successful nocturnal predators.
Dinosaurs take center stage Wednesday, July 15, with programs presented by the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science. Children ages 5 to 11 can participate at 1 p.m., followed by a teen session at 2 p.m. Participants will examine real fossils, learn about paleontological tools and discover what defines a dinosaur.
The week’s programming concludes Thursday, July 16, with Roots Literacy & Language Activity Night beginning at 5:30 p.m. Hosted in partnership with Nemours and Polytech Parents as Teachers, the monthly program encourages reading, language development and social skills through themed books and interactive educational activities. Summer sessions will also include giveaways for participants.
Executive Director Lea Rosell said the library continues to focus on providing programming that reflects the interests and needs of the Milford community.
“Our goal is to make the library a place where every member of the community can find something meaningful,” Rosell said. “Whether someone is looking for educational opportunities, family activities, local history, or connections to community resources, we want the library to be a welcoming place where those experiences happen.”
Rosell said partnerships with organizations throughout Delaware continue to expand what the library can offer.
“We’re fortunate to work with outstanding partners like the Milford Museum, MERR Institute, Killens Pond, the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science, Nemours and Milford Advocacy for the Homeless,” she said. “These collaborations allow us to bring high-quality programs to Milford at no cost to participants while connecting people with valuable educational and community resources.”
Most programs are free, although several require advance registration due to limited space. Additional information and registration details are available through the Milford Public Library.
