Vernon Area Library recognized as 'Community Partner of the Year' by Lincolnshire Police

On Friday, August 23, the Lincolnshire Police Department will recognize Vernon Area Public Library as 'Community Partner of the Year' during the village's inaugural Heroes Night event at North Park in Lincolnshire. Janice Kellman, the library's head of Community Engagement and Programming, will accept the award on behalf of library at 4 p.m.

Each year the suburban Chicago police department recognizes a Lincolnshire business, association or organization that excels in collaborating within the community, supports village and police department programs, encourages citizen safety awareness and volunteers at special events in Lincolnshire.

Over the past twelve months, Vernon Area Public Library partnered with the Lincolnshire Police Department to host Coffee with a Cop, an opportunity for residents to hear from and ask questions of local law enforcement; Picnic with the Police, a summer event that helps children become acquainted with officers; and a Real-Life Superheroes program that allowed kids and adults to talk with local law enforcement and emergency responders and explore their vehicles.

The library also participates in events hosted by Lincolnshire including the annual Boo Bash, Heroes Night and, previously, National Night Out. "The library connects with local partners to promote an informed, engaged and safe community year round," said Kellman.

Lincolnshire's Heroes Night is a free, all-ages, community-wide event that will feature activities such as water slides, stunt bike shows, virtual reality stations, a demonstration from a police dog unit, bounce house, carnival games and face painters. The event will take place 4-7 p.m., rain or shine, at North Park, 1025 Riverwoods Rd., Lincolnshire.