There’s still time to complete activities, enter to win prizes

By Theresa Knapp

The theme of this year's adult summer reading program at Milford Town Library is "Read, Renew, Repeat" and readers are playing “Adventure Bingo” to keep track of activities that extend outside the library into the community. 

The program began in June and will finish on Aug. 16 at 6 p.m. 

Library staff say the program has been wildly successful with approximately 100 adults participating. 

“The program has far exceeded our expectations,” said MTL reference librarian Kate Kazlauskas. “Apparently there is a hugely competitive population of library users in Milford who are thrilled to get started on their activities.” 

She said, “When you join the program, you can expect to experience library resources that you may not have been aware of (or that you may not be currently taking advantage of); learn about conservation of our natural resources, either through materials we own here at the library, or activities you can do throughout the town of Milford; and start conversations about books and reading with your friends, family, online community and other Milford community members.

“It was a goal of ours to generate some additional community spirit with this program, so the bonus is that you will also be supporting four locally-owned Milford businesses.”

How to join

To join, people can visit the MTL Information Desk during regular hours of operation, or they can print a bingo card at home (bit.ly/MTLadventureBingoCard2024) then visit the Information Desk at their convenience to officially join the program. Materials are available in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Adventure activities include: 

•   Read a book in public

•   Talk to a Milford resident you don’t already know about a book (or reading) 

•   Travel the Upper Charles Trail

•   Fill your water bottle at the MTL drinking fountain

•   Check Milford’s recycling and disposal options

•   And much more

Everyone who participates will win a prize, but the more you participate, the more tickets you can earn. Each completed row (“Bingo”) earns participants a ticket to contribute toward the Adventure Prize drawing, and three winners will be selected to receive those prizes. If participants "black out" their card (completing all 24 bingo squares), they will receive a ticket to enter the Grand Prize Drawing.

How it works

Fill out your Adventure Bingo card with everything you read, and activities you complete, before Aug. 16. When you have filled in at least one line (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) of five squares, you can present your card at the MTL Information Desk for verification and ticket(s). 

All cards must be submitted prior to our 6 p.m. closing time on Friday, Aug. 16. 

For guidelines regarding earning tickets, visit www.milfordtownlibrary.org/home/news/adult-summer-reading-program-2024 

Prizes

Prize drawings and winner notifications will take place on Aug. 19. Prizes can be picked up at the MTL Information Desk anytime during regular library hours through Sept. 6. Prizes not picked up will be awarded to another winner.

This year’s prizes include: 

Prize 1: Bookworm Bag - Friends of Milford Town Library reusable tote bag, filled with an assortment of titles for all reading tastes, plus a $50 gift certificate to TJ Cafe & Games

Prize 2: Night Out (Or In) Pizza & Beer Combo - $50 gift certificate to Rail Trail Flatbread Company, plus a mixed variety of beer from CraftRoots Brewing

Prize 3: Adventure Pack - $50 Milford Bicycle gift certificate, plus some outdoor gear to help you explore more of Massachusetts

For more information on the Adult Summer Reading Program and/or to print your bingo cards, stop by the Information Desk, email [email protected], or call 508-473-2145.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Milford Town Library and supported by MTL friends at CraftRoots Brewing, Depot Street Tavern, Milford Bicycle, Rail Trail Flatbread Company, and TJ Cafe & Games.