Children got to shake, rattle and roll at a toddler dance party at the La Grange Park Library.
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The party attracted 85 parents and their toddlers who danced to songs by popular children’s performers including the popular children’s artist Jim Gill whose repertoire encompasses songs about sneezing and bananas.
The children got a kick out of the music that they recognize, said Margaret Stec, children’s services librarian.
“It’s a lot of the music that the kids are familiar with,” she said..
Some of the music played at the dance party also is used during story times at the library.
The library holds the dance parties four times a year. Attendance at the event has been steadily growing.
“We usually have a good number,” said Stec. “I think it’s word of mouth. People have come and really enjoyed and so more people come.”
The library also hands out scarves and stuffed animals that the children can jump and jive with.
“There is a scarf song that they like to dance to,” said Stec. “They like manipulatives — things they can make rhythm with, whether it’s a scarf or a stuffed animal.”
The library saves the best for last. They hand out instruments — bells, drums and xylophones — for the kids to play with for the final songs.
The noise the children and their parents create is welcome at the library.
“We have such wonderful kids. The parties are just a pleasure,” Stec said.
The event was also a chance for the children to say goodbye to Cindy Moriarity, children’s services director, who is retiring after 5 years.
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