The Chestermere public library had some creepy crawly guests Aug. 22.
Snakes, lizards and a tarantula were all featured in the library’s summer reading program reptile party.
“We wanted to try something where the kids would have a chance to actually interact with some animals,” said Librarian Andrea Pflug.
The event filled the library program room with 25 kids eager to get up close with the animals.
“Once there’s a chance to have an encounter with an animal it definitely gets people excited,” she said.
The animals came from Calgary Reptile Parties. They had everything from small lizards and toads up to a boa.
“They brought a variety of snakes and lizards and even a tarantula,” said Pflug.
The kids were able to get up close and personal with many of the animals having the chance to pet or hold them.
Pflug said that many of the kids started out a little tentative about the animals but were won over through the presentation with their curiosity overwhelming their nervousness.
“It was quite rewarding to see their faces change,” she said.
The reptile party focused on education with the dual message that one doesn’t need to be afraid of these animals and that there is a lot of responsibilities to owning lizards and snakes as pets.
“It was interesting to have both of those messages paired,” said Pflug.
“Not only the kids were growing interest and getting excited about the animals but also they were reminded that this isn’t something they should be asking mom for,” she said.
After the party was over, Pflug was talking to one of the kids about what their favourite animal was. The little girl said that her favourites were the snakes.
“Her mom said that was interesting because she didn’t like snakes before the presentation,” said Pflug.
It wasn’t just the kids who got over some of their nervousness. Some of the staff started out uncomfortable around some of the creepier animals.
With the success of this event, Pflug said that the library would consider hosting more educational events with live animals.
“Animals have a unique draw that pulls in people from all ages,” said Pflug.
