The public is invited to the conclusion of the Middlesex County Public Library (MCPL) system’s Summer Reading Program, consisting of a special event, “Jack’s Jungle: The Zoo that Comes to You,” followed by the Summer Reading Finale, at the Deltaville Community Association (DCA) building (17147 General Puller Highway, beside Ricky Taylor Memorial Swimming Pool, on Thursday, July 31, starting at 2 p.m.
The Summer Reading Program is a six-week long reading experience aimed at children from toddler age up through rising eighth grade, supplemented with weekly story times, activities, and events, along with a contest for top readers. This year, close to 70 children participated, accumulating thousands of hours of reading time. All participants’ reading logs must be turned in by Monday, July 28, at either MCPL library branch. Those who are participating through the library’s online platform, Beanstack, have their logs automatically tallied. There will be no story times this week as staff prepares for Thursday’s event.
“Jack’s Jungle” features six exotic animals in an educational and interactive experience. In the past his shows have featured creatures such as an alligator, a tortoise, and a Burmese python. Most of the animals can be touched and children can have their picture taken with them.
“I have been keeping and teaching about animals since I can remember,” Jack says in his statement. “I found myself teaching friends and family about all my animals. I wanted to reach more people and spread my enthusiasm for these wonderful creatures far and wide!” He has exotic veterinary clinic experience and worked as an educator at the Virginia Zoo.
The Summer Reading Finale immediately follows “Jack’s Jungle” at roughly 3 p.m. This year’s top readers will be announced and prizes awarded, along with celebratory refreshments, a free book giveaway for participants, and more.
For information on these or other library events, email yourmiddlesexlibrary@gmail.com or see the website, www.yourmiddlesexlibrary.org.
(Hartfield resident Michael Kunzinger is outreach coordinator for the Middlesex County Public Library system, which has branch locations in Deltaville and Urbanna. Email him at yourmiddlesexlibrary@gmail.com.)
