By JEN BOUTIN

BCPL

Close encounters with wild animals often spark the imagination. As part of the Summer Reading Program, “A Universe of Stories,” Boyle County Public Library is offering a variety of free animal programs for all ages.

Earlier in June, the library hosted a petting zoo which featured llamas, goats, a miniature pony, ducks, a kangaroo and others. More than 500 people stopped by to meet and feed the animals during this all-ages event.

Knowing that animal-related programs are popular, the library has scheduled two additional animal programs: Inter-County Reptiles and Amphibians, and the Liberty Nature Center. The library is excited to be able to host these events both at the library and off-site at outreach locations.

On June 26, the library will host Inter-County Reptiles and Amphibians at two locations. This hands-on educational show will feature reptiles and amphibians that are native to Kentucky. Attendees will be able to get an up-close look at the animals.

The first show will be held at the library at 10:30 a.m. in the Community Room. This is a free, ticketed event, with tickets available 30 minutes prior to the start of the program. The library will also offer a second show at 12:30 p.m. in the Toliver Intermediate School cafeteria. This outreach event is free, and tickets are not required to attend.

Toliver is a summer feeding site, giving free meals for ages 0-18. Adults may purchase a meal for a small fee. Entrance is through the side of the building by the playground.

Next month, on July 16, the library will host the Liberty Nature Center, a wildlife rehabilitation and educational center that has over 20 permanent residents that serve as ambassadors for their wild counterparts. This educational program will feature bird species including owls, hawks, vultures, and an eagle.

This event, like Reptiles and Amphibians, will also be offered twice. The first show begins at 10:30 a.m. at the library. Because the wingspan of the eagle is too large for the Community Room, the program will be held outside in the Library Park.

The second show is an outreach event that will be held at Junction City Elementary School at 12:30 p.m. This school is also a summer feeding site with free meals for ages 0-18 and low cost meals for adults. Entrance is through the back of the building.

The library’s outreach staff enjoy being able to visit and serve patrons at the various off-site locations.

“The Outreach Program works to make library services available to all residents of Boyle County by overcoming barriers that may exist, such as transportation or mobility,” says Outreach Librarian Brittany Smith. She says that through the Summer Reading Outreach Program, the library is able to give away free books to youth of all ages, in addition to offering these special performances.

“Through the Summer Reading Outreach Program, with help from the Friends of the Library, we are able to give away free books to youth of all ages in addition to offering these special performances. It is a pleasure to be able to bring materials and programs like these out into the community.”

These entertaining shows often inspire kids to learn more about the world around them, including the animals that live in it. The library and the bookmobile have a variety of materials to help children and adults further explore their curiosity about animals of all shapes and sizes. The bookmobile will be at both of the outreach show locations, bringing mobile library services and books to those people who may not be able to visit the main library.

More information about these and other upcoming events can be found at www.BoylePubLib.org or by calling the library at (859) 238-7323.