As we reflect on the past year at Millington Public Library, we are filled with gratitude and pride for all that we have accomplished together. This year has included meaningful connections, creative growth, and expansion of our community reach.
One of our most bittersweet moments involved saying farewell to our long-serving and dedicated Library Board members—Karla Hornsby, Evylou Turner, Bitha Luze, and Linda Cooper. These individuals have poured their hearts into our Library, and their passion and commitment will forever be a part of its legacy. Under their leadership, the Library expanded its reach beyond city limits and eliminated overdue fees, making our resources more accessible to the entire Millington community. Their unwavering dedication to both the Library and the community is truly unmatched.
This year, we achieved our goal of expanding outreach to the community, including meaningful interactions with Millington Primary and Intermediate Schools’ students. One of many highlights included working with Program Coordinator Amanda Bucher at Career Day, where kids had a blast completing a LEGO challenge to see if they could run LEGO Club at the Library—let’s just say they’ve got some serious skills! Another highlight was making a long-time patron’s wishes come true by bringing books, movies, and programs to residents at Wesley Towers Retirement Community.
The Color Our World Summer Reading Program was a true success, offering cultural experiences like an Indian Dance Workshop, Japanese Tea Ceremony, and global art projects that allowed children to explore and appreciate diverse traditions.
Thank you for your continued support of the Library. We look forward to another year of growth, community, and enrichment!
With gratitude,
Stephanie Kinsler, Library Director
LIBRARY VISITS
PUBLIC SERVICE HOURS
NEW CARDHOLDERS
– Cathy Skaggs, Library Patron
“I love the Library because: first I’ve come to the Library since I was five! The atmosphere is wonderful and the people are so friendly and helpful! I love to read- especially to my grandkids! And the books are FREE! Thank you for asking!”
– Margaret Greganti, Library Patron
Programs
TOTAL PROGRAMS
TOTAL ATTENDANCE
– Brayden Messer, 5th grader
LEGO Club
“The teen spot is my favorite!”
– Annalyse, Library Patron
TOTAL PROGRAMS
TOTAL ATTENDANCE
TOTAL PROGRAMS
TOTAL ATTENDANCE
Events
This year, the Millington Public Library continued to serve as a hub of community connection, creativity, and celebration through a variety of engaging events for all ages. From festive seasonal gatherings to milestone celebrations, each event brought the community together in meaningful and memorable ways. Highlights included the wildly popular 5th Annual Halloween Spooktacular, a heartwarming holiday visit from Santa Claus, and the launch of our new children’s reading boat during a special recognition ceremony. These events not only entertained and inspired, but also strengthened the Library’s role as a welcoming and vibrant space for families, neighbors, and lifelong learners.
Halloween Spooktacular
Millington Public Library hosted its 5th Annual Halloween Spooktacular, attracting 488 festive and spooky members of our community. Attendees collected loads of sweet treats and other fun loot from our Trick or Treat tables. The Library could not have had this event without the help of our community partners, including:
- CausePlay of Memphis
- Dagen’s Living Waters Bookstore & Gifts
- Direct Auto
- First United Methodist Church
- Kathryn Paris & Family
- Kiwanis Club of Millngton
- Library Board
- Millington Police Department
- Nelda Finn
- YMCA of Millington
- Zoologist Meredith Bacue
Santa @ the Library
Reading Boat Launch & Recognition Ceremony
On May 21st, the Millington Public Library celebrated its past and future with the unveiling of a new children’s reading boat and a special ceremony honoring four retiring Library Board members. The event, featured in the Millington Star, also marked the start of the Summer Reading Program and a community boat-naming contest.
Mayor Dagen presented proclamations to the following retiring Board members for their dedicated service:
- Karla Hornsby: A former librarian at E.A. Harrold Elementary for 35 years, Karla served on the Library Board for 16 years and continues her support through the Millington Education Foundation.
- Evylou Turner: A retired librarian from Millington East Elementary, Evylou helped establish the Library at Millington Primary School and remained a strong advocate for literacy after her retirement.
- Bitha Luze: A retired banker and Navy wife, Bitha has been a passionate supporter of the Library for over 15 years, helping lead fundraising efforts and advocating for community support.
- Linda Cooper: A communications expert with a background in public relations, Linda strengthened the Library’s outreach and community ties during her three years on the board.
We thank these retiring Board members for their invaluable contributions to the Millington Public Library and the community!
Collections
The Library has something for everyone!
PHYSICAL CIRCULATION
ELECTRONIC CIRCULATION
– Alisha Williams, Library Patron
Technology Services
WI-FI USE (29% Increase from Previous Year)
LIBRARY WEBSITE USE
PUBLIC COMPUTER USE
FAX PAGES SENT
PAGES PRINTED
Summer Reading 2025
Summer Reading 2025: Color Our World
Our global theme took center stage with immersive programs like an Indian Dance Workshop, a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony, and Groundbreakers from the Spanish-Speaking World, a powerful play presented by Bright Star Traveling Theater. In total, five cultural performers inspired 297 attendees, connecting our community to art and traditions from around the world.
The Art Around the World Craft Series was a creative highlight, with 156 children exploring global art through hands-on projects. They created Australian Dot Art, Japanese fish windsocks, Mexican Papel Picado, and watercolor world maps, each activity sparking imagination and cultural curiosity.
We also offered more passive programs than ever before, one for every week of the six-week reading challenge, engaging 233 participants with flexible, self-paced fun.
SUMMER READING PROGRAMS
1,935 (PROGRAM ATTENDANCE)
REGISTERED READERS
73 Readers Completed the Program by Earning all 12 Online Badges!
TOTAL MINUTES READ
Outreach
In 2024-2025, the Millington Public Library expanded its outreach to connect with community members who may have difficulty visiting the Library. Through partnerships with local schools, the YMCA, and the Millington Early Learning Center (MELA), the Library engaged with 694 people at events like Millington Intermediate YCare, the Primary PTO Carnival, and Career Day. The Library also teamed up with Millington Parks & Recreation to provide a Pre-K Play Program as part of the Summer of Fun series at the City’s parks, including Aycock Park, Oak Park, Discovery Park, and Lions Park. Together, the Library and Parks & Rec are a dream team!
OUTREACH PROGRAMS