Braswell library wraps up summer reading program

Curious adults and children alike visited Braswell Memorial Library to see live birds and snakes.

Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park & Eco-Center of Scotland Neck provided the presentation Wednesday as the finale for the library’s Summer Reading Program.

The park’s environmental scientist Carla Taylor was on hand to teach different science lessons related to wetland and bird ecology. Then she introduced her 2-year-old goose, and showed off bright peacock and macau feathers and large ostrich and emu eggs.

“Some children need that face-to-face time to better understand,” Taylor said. “The same things these children learn in their classrooms, we bring it to them.”

Taylor said she stresses appreciation of nature through her lessons and encourages children to participate because of the valuable hands-on experience.

“No one is going to take care of something that they can’t feel or see for themselves,” Taylor said.

She urged parents to join in the activities, such as petting her 2-year-old corn snake.

Aquibe Moore and her 6-year-old daughter, Camille, both waited around after the program to pet Taylor’s snake. Moore said she didn’t mind petting it, although she was not fond of snakes.

“I would probably not be this close if I was at my home,” Moore said, nervously laughing.

Moore said the library’s summer programs have helped her become more creative in finding activities to occupy her daughter’s time.

“It’s very rare and hard to find activities like this during the summer,” Moore said. “With this, she can interact with other kids and also get lessons to take back when school starts.”