Summer Zoofari

A Zoofari with Miss Courtney in the basement of Atlanta Public Library kicked off the Summer Reading Program on Saturday, brought to the community by The Friends of the Atlanta Public Library.

Randi Strutton, event coordinator, and Kendra Harrell Library Administrator were both excited and elated by the large community turnout of kids and parents to mark the beginning of summer and see Miss Courtney and her array of rescued animals, which included an otter, fennec fox, kinkajou, skunk, spider monkey, and a kangaroo–all lovingly given pet names reflective of their personalities or environments they come from.

Each animal was special in his or her own way, and children and parents alike were rapt with attention as they learned factoids about the animals they didn’t know—including a skunk, ironically named ‘Flower’.

Strutton seemed most excited about the otter, Izzy, who she was able to hug last year–and this year, too.

Izzy was first to come out, as Miss Courtney gave kiddos a lesson in otters and how they adapt and breathe underwater.

Monday, Strutton began handing out summer reading packets for kiddos of all ages, which include coloring sheets, matching games, countries around the world, recipes, and a craft with instructions to do with your child.

Each Wednesday will be story time for kids at 1:30 p.m. The Chocolate Party at the library is slated for Thursday, June 15 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. It is put on by Atlanta Texas Friends of the Library and is free to attend. President Jean Ann Estep said the party is a labor of love for the community to bring the public in and show them what the library has to offer. A variety of authors will attend the annual Chocolate Party, including: K.L. Cottrell (“Feels like Forever”, “Delicate”, “When You Know”, “What Hides in the Darkness”) Laura Emmons (“Mozon Bay”, “Cory’s Gift”, “The Love of a Monster Juanita I. Harris (“I Talk to God About You”) Calendars for library events can be viewed from Atlanta Texas Public Library’s newsletter by searching the Facebook page and clicking on the link from Canva.