By Micha O’Connor
Special to the NKyTribune
Snakes, spiders, and scorpions, oh my! October is the time for all things creepy, crawly, and gross. We’re getting in the spirit at Boone County Public Library with several family programs for ghouls and boils to enjoy.
On October 15, the kids are out of school, but that doesn’t mean that learning takes a break! Slither on over to Creepy Critters presented by Animal Tales at the Scheben Branch, 8899 US 42 in Union on Monday, October 16 at 2 p.m.
In this fun and educational program, expect to see some not-so-cuddly creatures like arachnids, insects and snakes. Participants will be allowed to get “hands-on” with several animals and all should walk away with a different view of these creepy critters. Learn how undesirable critters serve an extremely important purpose to the environment.
Jeff Baker, wildlife biologist, zoo curator and founder of Animal Tales, is focused on entertaining and educating people on science, geography, world culture & conservation across the southeast. A Western Kentucky native, Baker worked as a zoologist for the Birmingham Zoo in Alabama before deciding to return to his old Kentucky home. Now he and a staff of naturalists bring “ed-zoo-cational” programs to more than 1,200 schools, libraries, and community centers yearly.
Don’t bug out now- there’s more fun to be had with Dr. Insecta at the Main Library, 1786 Burlington Pike in Burlington on Saturday, October 21 at 2 p.m.
Former Navy diver, Bill Maxwell, otherwise known as Dr. Insecta, is making his first appearance at BCPL. Dr. Insecta is reminiscent of famous figures that Mr. Maxwell admires like Bill Nye, the science guy, and Penn and Teller. He is sure to make your fear of bugs disappear with his special blend of humor, magic, and science. Aligned with common core science standards, this interactive performance is designed to give us a new appreciation for our many-legged friends.
The ultimate goal of Dr. Insecta’s Bug Lab is to educate, encourage and inspire young entomologists of the future to discover this ever-expanding science of insects, who allow us to share their world. Meet “Morticia” the tarantula, “Rhonda” the roach and “Darth Vader” the emperor scorpion and crawl away with a new appreciation for our many-legged friends.
Micha O’Connor is the Community Events Liaison for Youth Services at the Boone County Public Library and a bug enthusiast.
