Vernon Area Library hosts Bump to Baby Expo
As part of its mission to boost reading readiness in tots, the Vernon Area Public Library welcomes new and expecting parents to its first Bump to Baby Expo on Saturday, April 21, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 300 Olde Half Day Rd., Lincolnshire. The event is free and open to the public. No registration is required.
Throughout the year, the library provides a full roster of age-appropriate programs and services to engage young families, with the aim of supporting parents to raise readers. The Expo expands on those offerings by providing an opportunity for new and future moms and dads to check out what's new and tried-true in pregnancy, birth and parenting during the early years.
Twenty-four area organizations and vendors will be on hand at Bump to Baby Expo to help connect parents-to-be with services and products. A series of live "Spark Talks" are ongoing throughout the event. These 10-minute presentations cover topics such as breastfeeding, infant sleep, cloth diapering, financial tips, choking prevention and exploring Lake County with kids.
Brief yoga sessions will be held every hour in the library cafe. All Expo visitors are eligible to enter raffles to win prizes including discounted doula services, gift certificates for pre- and postnatal fitness, baby gear from local mompreneurs and a free family photo shoot.
The library's youth services staff will provide information about year-round story times and other early learning opportunities at the library, guide moms and dads to helpful resources and assist patrons who need a library card or wish to register their home library card at Vernon Area.
Librarian Kelsey Cole-Burns, one of the event coordinators, anticipates that anyone who steps through the library doors to attend Bump to Baby Expo will not only find an array of local businesses, but "a home away from home where parents can take their babies to learn, play and meet others in the community."
For more information, including a schedule of Spark Talks and vendor list, visit http://vapld.info/bumptobaby or call 224-543-1486.