The Vernon Area Public Library in Lincolnshire hosted the annual Lil’ Trick-or-Reading program on October 23. The program welcomed 30 children plus their families and caregivers.
Event Activities
The event began with a story time session in the Meeting Room. Afterwards, children participated in a trick-or-treat parade around the library. Many children wore costumes, and parents joined in the fun by dressing up as well. One parent sported a banana costume, coincidentally matching a child who was enjoying a real banana during the session.
Community Participation
Local residents, such as Cathy Cooper of Lincolnshire, attended with her children. Cooper remarked on the joy her children experience socializing during the event. Another attendee, Tim Choh from Buffalo Grove, attended with his infant son Atlas, along with his wife Ashley. Tim also wore a banana costume and noted the happiness it brought to Atlas.
Ellie Wang from Buffalo Grove was present with her mother-in-law Ling Ling from Tokyo and daughter Riley. It was Riley’s first Halloween costume experience, an event that Ellie described as ‘cute’. Ling Ling found the Halloween celebrations intriguing as it was her first exposure to the holiday.
Program Details
The program offered two morning sessions for infants and toddlers. Early Literacy Librarian Kelsey Cole-Burns explained that the event started with a gentle story time to introduce children to Halloween. It was followed by a costume parade. The library provided an indoor setting to keep participants warm and comfortable.
The Lil’ Trick-or-Reading program has been offered for over five years. Cole-Burns highlighted the library’s role as a community center, bringing together various age groups and abilities. The program allows children to learn and grow with the support of library staff.
Older siblings accompanied younger children to collect Halloween-themed items distributed by costumed staff members. One participant, Nova Jargal from Buffalo Grove, joined in dressed in a pink gown. Her mother, Marla Jargal, expressed her gratitude for the program, emphasizing how special story time is to Nova.
Library’s Legacy
The Vernon Area Public Library District, established in 1974, serves approximately 44,000 residents from Lincolnshire, Prairie View, Long Grove, and parts of Buffalo Grove, Vernon Hills, and surrounding areas in Lake County. The library is situated at 300 Olde Half Day Road in Lincolnshire.
To learn more about the library, visit https://www.vapld.info/.
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