Thanks to the dogged determination of the library director and the continued support of the community, Milanof-Schock Library will unveil a courtyard in the spring of 2023, and you're invited to purchase an engraved Library Legacy Brick for the project.

Library director Joseph McIlhenney joined the staff in March of 2021, and he saw an opportunity to create a courtyard in front of the building with tables and places to sit. "It seemed to be the perfect spot to hang out on a nice day, read a book or use a little Wi-Fi," McIlhenney recalled, noting that he thought, "How hard can it be?"

It turned out to be a little more complicated than expected. Turning the front corner just outside the library into the courtyard required dealing with electrical, plumbing and rainwater mitigation issues and other obstacles. Still, McIlhenney was determined. "After I discovered how difficult the project would be, I'd already been talking about it for weeks," he said. "Folks liked the idea. I'm not one to give up."

He credits community support - including donations at the 2021 benefit auction and volunteers who helped to build furniture - with making the project a reality. "I had the idea, and Rick Trumper from GCM Inc. knew how to make it happen," McIlhenney stated, noting that Trumper recruited a team that included John Snavely from the mulá group to make the drawings and Rhino Excavating to do the digging. "I am so thankful to them for sharing their expertise, their hard work and support," McIlhenney said. Community members have been equally supportive, he shared. "Since the concrete has been finished, I've had no fewer than 15 conversations about furniture donation," he said.

McIlhenney encourages anyone with a connection to the library to purchase a brick. "Library Legacy Bricks are a great way of showing your support of the library," he commented. "Those bricks will be in place for years and years. A Library Legacy Brick would make a great holiday gift for the person who has everything."

As the courtyard comes together, McIlhenney said he's excited to continue working on the project. "I'm looking forward to doing a little work in the library courtyard on nice days," he noted. "If you see me, stop and say hello."

Order forms for Legacy Bricks are available at the library, 1184 Anderson Ferry Road, Mount Joy, and at http://www.mslibrary.org.