Star Staff Reports
On Wednesday, May 21, the Millington Public Library hosted a special event to celebrate both the future and the past. The morning began with the official launch of a brand-new reading boat in the Children’s Section. After Storytime, the library held a ceremony to honor four retiring Library Board members for their many years of service.
The 7×14-foot wooden boat, made possible through the support of the Millington Library Boosters, features built-in shelving for the library’s Board Book collection, seating for more than 20 preschool children, and a captain’s helm with a steering wheel. It’s designed to make reading fun for young library visitors.
To further celebrate the boat, the library held a Boat Naming Contest as part of its free, 6-week Summer Reading Program which started with a Kickoff Party on Saturday, June 7.
The community is invited to help choose the perfect name for this special addition. A boat is especially fitting for Millington, being home to the Navy Support Activity Mid-South, with its rich naval history, and located near the mighty Mississippi River, where tugboats sail by daily. Submissions for the contest will be accepted throughout the summer, and the winning name will be revealed at the program’s conclusion.
Children and their families took part in a photo opportunity aboard the boat before heading to the library’s regular 11 a.m. Storytime.
Everyone was thankful for Scooter’s Coffee for providing refreshments.
After Storytime, the formal ceremony began. Library Director Stephanie Kinsler welcomed guests and thanked supporters. She introduced Vice-Mayor and Alderman Thomas McGhee, who offered a blessing over the boat, praying it would serve as “a vessel for children’s literacy.”
Following the blessing, Mayor Larry Dagen delivered a proclamation recognizing four Library Board members for their years of dedication and leadership:
• Karla Hornsby served as the beloved librarian at E.A. Harrold Elementary for 35 years, inspiring a love of reading in generations of Millington students. She served on the Millington Public Library Board for 16 years and continues to support education through the Millington Education Foundation. A lifelong member of Millington First United Methodist Church, she now enjoys her role as “KK” to her grandsons, William and Bishop.
• Evylou Turner was a dedicated librarian at Millington East Elementary and played a key role in opening the library at Millington Primary School in 2004. After her retirement in 2012, she remained active in promoting literacy by volunteering in school libraries and advocating for continued support staff. Her work has left a lasting mark on school libraries in the area.
• Bitha Luze is a retired banker and proud Navy wife who has been a tireless advocate for the Millington Public Library for over 15 years. As a founding member of the Millington Library Boosters, she led numerous fundraising efforts and helped secure essential support from the city. Her energy and commitment have made a significant impact on the library’s success.
• Linda Cooper served on the Library Board for the past three years, contributing her professional experience in public relations to strengthen community outreach and engagement. Her work has helped raise awareness of the library’s programs and resources.
The event was a joyful celebration, honoring a new children’s space and the dedicated leaders who have supported the library’s growth.
