BURLINGTON, Ky. — The Boone County Public Library welcomed families to its 19th annual Early Childhood Fair, aimed at helping children learn and grow.
From music, to Play-Doh and painting, the library was filled with resources designed to support early childhood development all for free, and for first-time mothers like Trinity Brown, it’s keeping her informed.
“He was born one pound at 34 weeks,” she shared. “So, making sure that he is developmentally on track is extremely important considering the type of birth that he had and how early he was born.”
Parents could also have their children participate in free hearing and eye exams test. Dozens of local vendors took part in the event, providing hands-on learning experiences and information to parents trying to navigate their child’s early years.
Melissa Mann, creative director at Creative Beginnings Christian Preschool explained how play time helps develop motor schools. “We love Play-Doh. Play-Doh is great for their hand development,” Mann explained. “They’re working on their grip strength, so they’re going to need that grip strength when they’re working on their pen and pencil skills.”
While Kathy Bowman, owner of Bowman Music and Creative Outlet, emphasized how music can help children develop as well.
“Skill wise..., just being able to, have those small motor skills, being able to think outside of the box, being able to listen and being able to work with others, It just gives them... good self-esteem,” Bowman said.
For Cara Frank, an early literacy librarian, she said the event ensures that children not only love reading but that they’re on track to be their best selves.
“Teaching kids to love books, learn about books, words, vocabulary, all those things are really important,” Frank said. “But this kind of broadens that goal, where we want to focus on the whole child. So we’re providing resources for them to learn about child development, hearing, vision.”
As Brown walked around the room and connected, she was grateful to have access to resources to help her son grow.
“I’m looking for a preschool for my baby, so this is a great way to interview different schools that are here and to see what programs are a part of the community,” she said.
With nearly two decades of impact, the Boone County Public Library’s Early Childhood Fair continues to shape Kentucky’s future leaders, one child at a time.
