The Prendergast Library kicked off its summer reading program with sign-ups and critters.
Children filled the Children's Library on Friday, not only because they wanted to read, but also because they wanted to see some creepy crawlers.
To start the summer reading program off, parents and guardians signed up their children for the library's story times and Summer Reading Club.
Article Photos
The Prendergast Library kicked off its summer reading program with sign-ups and a presentation by Amtilia Outreach, an amphibian and reptile rescue.
P-J photos by Hilary Scott
Story times will take place from July 9 through Aug. 17. The different story times are geared toward different age groups. They include great beginning, toddler, preschool, school-age and middle school story times.
Summer Reading Club is available now until Sept. 1 for any child from birth to 18 years of age. When children sign up, they get a reading record to keep track of what they read. They can earn rewards for the days they read and entries for prize drawings at the end of the summer.
On Friday, both children and parents ogled the list of prizes hanging on the wall in the Children's Library, which include a variety of books and audio books.
Leah Lefler said this is the second year that her sons, Mathew and Nolan, have participated in the summer reading program.
"They really liked the program. And they have a great book selection here at the library," she said.
CRITTERS
Then, things got a little more wild.
Chris Duckett of Amtilia Outreach, an amphibian and reptile rescue, presented "Nighttime Creatures,"a hands on educational experience.
Duckett started by pulling a large toad out of his black tote filled with creatures that the children could only imagine. He continued to pull out a mix of amphibians, reptiles and insects, including snakes, lizards, spiders and toads.
Each one was met with a mix of "ews" and "cools" from the audience, poised with anticipation. As he walked around with each, he gave little lesson about the creatures.
For more information about Summer Reading Club and programs, call 484-7135, ext. 234, or visit prendergastlibrary.org/childrensroom.