The program was full at 30 children, not including their families or caregivers, for the annual Lil’ Trick-or-Reading program at the Vernon Area Public Library on Oct. 23 in Lincolnshire.
The Friday morning event began in the Meeting Room for story time then segued to a parade of trick-or-treating stations around the library. Children were encouraged to don costumes and many parents also dressed up.
One parent wore a banana costume while a nearby tot noshed on a real banana during story time.
Patron and parent Cathy Cooper of Lincolnshire said, “We love it here so much, and my kids love it so we come here all the time…they have a blast socializing with other kids.
“And love all the librarians here,” Cooper said.
Atlas Choh, 11 months of Buffalo Grove, attended in the company of parents Tim and Ashley Choh. Tim Choh, dressed as a banana, said the event for Atlas “makes him happy.”
Ellie Wang of Buffalo Grove and Wang’s mother-in-law Ling Ling from Tokyo, Japan attended with Ling Ling’s granddaughter Riley Wang, almost 11 months.
“It’s the first time being here and the first costume (for Riley),” said Riley’s mother Ellie Wang. “It’s really cute.”
For mother-in-law Ling Ling, “She’s new about Halloween and curious and everything,” said daughter-in-law Ellie Wang.
There were two morning sessions of Lil’ Trick-or-Reading for children from infant to toddler ages.
“We start with a not-so-spooky storytime where children are gently introduced to the holiday,” said Early Literacy Librarian Kelsey Cole-Burns.
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“Then we follow it up with a costume parade around the library.
“Fall weather is often cold, rainy, and unpredictable,” Cole-Burns said.
“This Halloween event provides an indoor space where families can keep their babies and tots warm and cozy while also showing off their adorable costumes.”
The Lil’ Trick-or-Reading program has been a library offering for more than five years.
“The library serves as a community center, bringing together all ages and abilities,” Cole-Burns said.
“When we combine the comfort of a community center with the guidance of library staff, our youngest kids learn and grow in library programs such as Trick-or-Reading.
“Lake County has a wealth of libraries and Vernon Area is proud to provide such a special program to our littlest kids and their families,” Cole-Burns added.
Older children also joined in with their younger siblings to collect Halloween-themed giveaway items distributed by library staff members (also dressed in costume).
The library’s accountant Kelly Womack was dressed as Cleopatra. “I am Cleopatra or I will answer to your majesty,” Womack said with a smile.
“That is one of the best things about working at the library is that I get to do all of the fun stuff like this,” Womack said. “It’s amazing, it really is.”
Jeremy and Corey Schwartz of Lincolnshire brought their children, Parker, 2, and infant boy Riley, 2 months.
Part of the Schwartz family sat with Rachael Quinlan of Buffalo Grove and son Jack, 2, for story time.
Corey Schwartz liked, “having the community around other moms and dads, moms and the kids get to get together, have a little holiday fun before Halloween.”
Rachael Quinlan said, “We come to story time almost every single week; it’s awesome.”
Marla Jargal of Buffalo Grove sat with daughter Nova, nearly 2, during story time. Nora wore a pink princess gown and a set of wings.
“She loves it,” Jargal said about Nova. “We come here all of the time.
“Story time is very special for her.”
To the library, “Thank you so much for hosting this program and all the events around the year,” Nova’s mother added. “We appreciate you.”
The Vernon Area Public Library District was founded in 1974 and today serves 44,000 residents of Lincolnshire, Prairie View, Long Grove and parts of Buffalo Grove, Vernon Hills, and unincorporated Vernon and Ela townships in Lake County.
The library is located at 300 Olde Half Day Road in Lincolnshire. Visit https://www.vapld.info/.
Karie Angell Luc is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.
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