The Brownwood Public Library’s Summer Program kicked off Thursday with a visit from the Abilene Zoo as educators Stephanie Dubois and Madison Fischel entertained a group of approximately 100 children and adults during the 10:30 a.m. session at the Adams Street Community Center.
“I’m really pleased, this is the first time to do multiple sessions,” Daniel Shelton said on behalf of the library, which also hosted sessions at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. “We have about 160 sign-ups and a few day cares as well, so we were expecting a pretty good turnout. We’re doing online and paper sign-ups this year, and this was the first time they’ve been online as far as I know.”
Dubois and Fischel shared information about cane toads, guinea pigs, ball pythons and Madagascar hissing cockroaches, and one of each was on display. Those in attendance were allowed to pet a guinea pig and python if they so desired.
“You see how excited they all are to see animals and they see how passionate we are, and how we can direct that passion to kids.” Fischel said. “Maybe they’ll go home and tell their friends and their parents about what they saw. Being able to spread that passion for animals is great to see.”
The Abilene Zoo resumed is educational visits in March after COVID-19 restrictions began to be lifted.
“As the education department it’s been hard because our job is to educate the public and kids, and there haven’t been many people coming by, so this was nice,” Dubois said.
Fischel added, “We can do it virtually but nothing beats doing it face to face with the public. Going to these outreaches, even us coming an hour away to a whole different city, being able to talk to people about education and conservation with these animals is something we really didn’t have an opportunity to do with COVID.”
The library is offering the following programs through the rest of the summer:
- On June 24, the program will be held at the Brownwood Regional Airport with sessions at 10 or 11 a.m.
- On July 8, the Magic Jay Show will take place at the Adams Street Community Center with sessions at 10 or 11:30 a.m.
- On July 22, Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue will be on site behind the library at 10 a.m.
Also, Art in the Park will also take place behind the library from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on June 10, June 17, July 1 and July 16.
For more information or to register, visit library or its website at www.brownwoodpubliclibrary.com.
Shelton added of the high turnout Thursday, “It means a lot because we’re trying to motivate kids to read. Last year was tough trying to send this home and trying to do scavenger hunts and stuff like that. It’s good getting kids back in the library and getting them engaged.”
