As we reflect on the past year, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and pride for all that we have accomplished together. From the remarkable transformation of our Library through the remodel project to the joyous celebration of our Library Rededication Ceremony and the resounding success of our 2024 Adventure Begins at Your Library Summer Reading Program, it has truly been a year to remember.
Thank you to the City of Millington leadership, Library Board & Boosters, the Millington Kiwanis Club, and to each and every member of this community who volunteered for the Library this year. We could not have been successful without your support!
– Stephanie Kinsler, Library Director
LIBRARY VISITS
OPEN HOURS
NEW CARDHOLDERS
We have many memorable memories in this Library. Lots of energy, as it can be described. Mrs. Stephanie is super creative. She knows what Millington wants when it comes to running a public library. My family comes at least two times a week. We get books, magazines, movies, and art ideas. Compared to when I moved here eight years ago, this Library has transformed and developed into a wonderful safe haven.” – Amy Maldonado, Library Patron
Capital Projects
Library Remodel: The Millington Public Library reopened to the public after a $250,000 remodel project. Upgrades include beautiful, new arctic white shelving with maple end caps and canopy tops, new carpet tiles, a new public computer area, circulation desk, and vinyl flooring in our meeting room space.
It’s like a brand-new library!”
The Library’s technology infrastructure was also updated, improving internet speed. The Library Board and public were wowed by the transformation of the 10,000 square foot space.
Library Rededication
The Library held a Library Rededication Ceremony on Saturday, March 16th featuring City Manager Ed Haley, Alderman Larry Dagen, and Library Board Chair Karla Hornsby. Library Board member Sue Nan Hartley was presented with a Library Service Award plaque recognizing her 20 years of unwavering support for the Millington Public Library. Around 70 attendees enjoyed refreshments provided by Scooter’s Coffee.
Collections
Our mission to Encourage Reading, Enhance Learning, and Enrich Our Community is reflected in our extensive offerings.
Millington Public Library offers a diverse collection of reading materials, catering to all ages and interests, both in print and electronic formats. Library patrons checked out 32,731 print items and 20,524 electronic items this year.
PHYSICAL CIRCULATION
ELECTRONIC CIRCULATION
Youth Collection
Our Library takes pride in nurturing young readers with a robust selection that includes board books, picture books, easy readers, chapter books, and young adult literature. In total, we offer 9,080 items tailored for children under 12, representing 39% of our entire collection. Additionally, we provide 1,629 items specifically for teens.
Adult Collection
For adults, we offer an extensive array of reading materials, including over 5,000 fiction books and more than 3,000 nonfiction titles. This collection constitutes approximately half of our print holdings and includes Large Print, Christian, Romance, Graphic Novel, Biography, and Nonfiction collections. Adults checked out 11,819 books this year and 1,412 movies on DVDs.
Our Library collection caters to diverse tastes, ensuring there’s something for everyone. From the latest bestsellers by popular authors like James Patterson and John Grisham, to the ability to request titles from other libraries, we strive to accommodate every reader’s preferences. If a book isn’t available, we’ll even consider adding it to our collection upon request!”
-Library Staff Member
DIGITAL DOWNLOADS
TOTAL MATERIALS
TOTAL eMATERIALS
TOTAL CHILDREN'S MATERIALS
The Millington Public Library has a variety of books—especially new books and a friendly and helpful staff.”
– Virginia Parsons, MPL Patron
Programs
Millington Public Library provided a multitude of exciting, engaging, and community-focused programs throughout the year.
PROGRAMS
PROGRAM ATTENDANCE
STORYTIME ATTENDANCE
Eclipse 2024
As Library Director, I am thrilled with the success of our Eclipse Week programs in 2024. The Library staff aimed to engage our community in unique ways leading up to the Total Solar Eclipse, and the response was fantastic. It’s clear that our community embraced these events, and I’m proud of our Library team for fostering such engaging experiences.”
– Stephanie Kinsler, Library Director
Children’s Programming
The Millington Public Library is dedicated to fostering the growth and development of children through a variety of engaging and educational programs. At the heart of our mission is a commitment to providing enriching experiences that support children’s learning and socialization, and one of the primary ways we achieve this is through our specialized programs tailored for young minds.
LEGO Club sparks imagination and innovation as participants create imaginative designs around themes like tree forts, favorite pets, and futuristic spaceships.
Storytime at the Millington Public Library is a vibrant and engaging experience that brings joy and excitement to toddlers and preschoolers as they embark on a journey through the world of stories, songs, and fingerplays. Held in our cozy children’s area, our storytime sessions are led by enthusiastic librarians dedicated to sparking imagination and nurturing a love of reading in young hearts.
In Literacy Gym, toddlers soar through worlds of imagination, building bridges of friendship and unlocking the magic of learning. Little ones learn letters, numbers, how to share, how to empathize, and more!
I love that the Library is a place where you can have fun.”
– Violet McDermott, grade school student and regular attendee of the Library’s STEM and Coding Clubs
Summer Reading
From thrilling science demonstrations from The Science Guys to captivating puppet theater and animal interactions, our 2024 Adventure Begins at Your Library programs sparked curiosity and joy.
Millington Public Library’s 2024 Summer Reading Program, Adventure Begins at Your Library, encouraged readers of all ages to find adventure all summer long, whether through a book, traveling, or in their own backyards. The Library hosted Adult Paint Nights to encourage our 18 and up crowd to say “yes” to the adventure of artistic expression and creativity!
We are thankful to the Millington community for supporting our Summer Reading Program through their prize donations and program sponsorships.
SUMMER READING PROGRAMS
1,166 (PROGRAM ATTENDANCE)
REGISTERED READERS
Children (0-10)-191 | Tween/Teen-50 | Adult-94
TOTAL MINUTES READ
(or 3,102 hours or 133 days!)
The Library was proud to partner with Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park and offered several off-site opportunities for adventure this summer. The State Park hosted two Storytimes and Park-Ranger Meet and Greets for our patrons at their Nature Center; these programs were a big hit for our families!
Partnering with Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park expanded our horizons, bringing nature’s beauty closer through storytimes and ranger meet and greets.”
– Program Coordinator Sofia Mitchell
Teen Programs
The Library plays a vital role in serving tweens and teens, providing a multifaceted environment that caters to their diverse needs and interests. Young adults frequent the Library after school for various purposes, ranging from relaxation to academic pursuits.
Adult Programs
The Library offers a variety of engaging programs for adults, including Master Gardener workshops, creative paint nights, and free tax preparation services through the United Way. Additionally, we host vibrant book clubs that foster community connection and discussion. These programs enrich the lives of our patrons, providing valuable learning and social opportunities.
Featured Community Partners
Thank you to all our community partners for their assistance and collaboration throughout the year.
- Boatwright’s Pharmacy
- Brooks Museum of Art
- Buff City Soaps
- Children’s Museum of Memphis
- Communities in Schools of Memphis
- Covington Soap Factory
- Dagen’s Living Waters Books & Gifts
- Dixon Gallery & Gardens
- Jones Orchard
- Kids Bowl Free
- Kiwanis Club of Millington
- The Memphis Museum of Science & History
- Memphis Botanic Garden
- Memphis Fire Museum
- Meredith Bacue of the Memphis Zoo
- Midsouth LCCT Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Millington City Beautiful Commission
- Millington Library Boosters
- Millington Lions Club
- Millington Municipal Schools
- Millington Fire Department
- Millington Police Department
- Millington Reading Club
- Millington YMCA
- Naval Support Activity Mid-South
- Laka 1 Nails Salon
- Rural Heritage Trust
- Rochelle Miller of Rochelle’s Artistic Designs
- Scooters Coffee
- Sports Clips
- Tennessee Parks & the Rangers at Meeman Shelby Forest State Park
- United Way
- Wellpoint Care Network (Job Fair)
Navy volunteers helped move about 10,000 books off the old shelving units in preparation for the remodel.
