Thursday, August 19, 2010 • HERITAGE NEWSPAPERS/WESTERN REGION
Page 5-B
Kids make bookmarks for Milan anniversary Milan library hosts contest with prizes By Steven Howard Heritage Newspapers
Children in Milan have been creating bookmarks at the Milan Public Library for the past few weeks to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the village charter, and to celebrate the area’s rich local history and heritage. Milan library’s youth services coordinator, Jennifer Perryman, said the bookmarks are being made as part of a contest that will be judged in several age categories. “We have preschool and kindergarten, first and second grade, third through fifth, middle school and high school,” she said. Preschoolers and kindergarteners could be seen in the library’s conference room Friday creating their bookmarkers, selecting from an abundance of markers, papers and other items to compose their artwork. Ethan Fogarty, 5, and Caleb Fogarty, 3, could be seen eagerly drawing their designs on the paper. Though still learning how to read, Ethan said he loves books. “My mom and dad read to me,” he said as he worked. Other children filtered in and out throughout the day, as well as on previous days when different age groups were able to come in. Perryman said the activity has been very popular, generating a large number of contest entries. “We probably have close to 50,” she said of the bookmarks. Perryman said winners were to be chosen Tuesday, when the library was set to host an event to commemorate the end of the summer reading series. “The Friends (of the library) may be judging it,” she said. “If not, the staff. We haven’t decided that yet.” Winning the contest can be a lucrative proposal for those who are selected based on their bookmark, garnering them a McDonald’s gift card, as well as the honor of having their bookmarks printed for distribution at the library. Though the bookmark contest and related celebration mark the end of the “Make a Splash, Read!” summer program, Perryman said the library will continue to have many ways for children to get involved in reading and other activities as the fall approaches.
The toddler and preschool story time program will kick off Sept. 9. The event program describes what kids and parents can expect. “Story time includes stories, music, crafts and related activities,” the program states. “Story time is about 30 minutes for toddlers and 40 minutes for preschoolers.” The library asks those interested to stop in and register. The library will also host activities surrounding this year’s Michigan Reads book selection “The Runaway Garden,” including a group reading. The Halloween season will bring the opportunity to decorate paper mache jack-olanterns, which will be held Oct. 14. Bird lovers likely will enjoy the Birds of Prey program hosted by Karen Young Nov. 20. “See hawks, owls and falcons and learn about their adaptations, habitat requirements, conservation status and hunting and food preferences,” the event program reads. There are also a number of teen and adult programs that will commence around the same time for the fall, and Perryman said those interested can stop by the library and pick up a complete listing. For additional information or to register for any of the classes offered, call 439-1240. General information as well an events calendar can be found at www.milanlibrary.org. Steven Howard can be reached at 429-7380 or Photo by Steven Howard showard@heritage.com. Follow Ethan Fogarty, 5, and Caleb Fogarty, 3, create bookmarks at the Milan Public Library Friday. The bookmark contest was put on by his blog at http://heritagewestlibrary staff to celebrate the city’s 125th anniversary since its village charter was established. staffblog.blogspot.com.
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