LaGrange IGA, Elyria Public Library System co-host kids event

The LaGrange IGA, 540 N. Center St., recently hosted a storytime and activity for children who were shopping with caregivers.

In collaboration with the Elyria Public Library System, the interactive storytime took place June 26 in the store’s children’s area under the direction of Lauren Carpenter, a librarian in the Outreach Department of the Elyria Public Library System.

“We like to partner with members of the community to bring story times and activities to community members,” Carpenter said. “We thought it would be a great idea to give kids something to do while parents are shopping.”

Carpenter said the storytime focused on a food theme due to the host site.

Caregivers read books “Secret Pizza Party” by Adam Rubin and “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle.

Children had the chance to sing along to songs, eat snacks and participate in making a craft — which included a slice of pizza with their own toppings and the creation of their self-portrait as a chef, Carpenter said.

“We try to do things that coincide with where we’re at,” she said. “Our goal is to get out in the community and show (the kind of) programs we offer at our library.

“We try to keep them age-appropriate. I brought something for every age range.”

The Elyria Public Library System Outreach Department focuses on offering programs to children that will help with their reading, writing, talking, singing and playing skills, Carpenter said.

“I think this was a really good group, and I think once we get the word out, more people will come,” she said.

Kayley Petry, social media manager for LaGrange IGA, reached out to the Elyria Public Library System with the idea for the activity, as the grocery store has remained consistent in hosting events for community members.

Not only did the event give caregivers a chance to shop, but children had a prime opportunity to participate in something outside of the house in the summer, Petry said.

“I love the library, I love the summer reading program, and I think it’s a great thing to get the kids out,” she said. “This community embraces it.

“As a mom, a storytime while you can go grocery shopping is an amazing thing.”

The Elyria Public Library System will collaborate with LaGrange IGA to bring two more storytime events in July and August, Petry said.

For more information, call the LaGrange IGA at 440-355-9920 or visit the LaGrange IGA Facebook page.