The Island Park Public Library rang in the New Year early with a daytime New Year’s Eve celebration, welcoming families for a morning filled with crafts, stories and music.
Children and their caregivers took part in a variety of themed activities throughout the library. Attendees created wishing wands to share their hopes for the year ahead and designed festive party crowns. Families also explored the building during a New Year’s Eve-themed scavenger hunt.
The celebration included a group story time circle featuring finger plays, stories and songs centered on the holiday. The morning concluded with a balloon drop followed by a dance party, giving children a chance to experience the excitement of the countdown in a family-friendly setting.
The library began hosting daytime New Year’s programs in 2019, offering young children a chance to celebrate without staying up late. The event was paused for several years due to COVID-19 restrictions before returning this year.
Children’s librarians Lauren Wallach and Teresa McCarthy, along with Head of Circulation Tina Gonzalez, started planning the event about six weeks in advance. Preparations included purchasing supplies, organizing the stories, songs and activities and promoting the program. Volunteers from Long Beach High School assisted library staff during the event.
Library officials said programs like the daytime celebration help foster a welcoming atmosphere.
“Infants, toddlers, children, parents and grandparents can all participate and all feel welcome in the library,” McCarthy said. “Most check out books and take advantage of other library resources while they’re here.”
By hosting early celebrations, the library gives children the excitement of a New Year’s Eve countdown while allowing families to return home in time for afternoon naps.
