The Bella Vista Public Library capped off its summer reading program with a special treat for youngsters.
Lynn Sciumbato, a conservationist and animal rescuer, brought two owls to the library Thursday, July 16, for a symposium on wild animals. About 20 kids aged 2 to 12 attended, packing the library's children's area to capacity.
"A lot of times, when you see an animal up close and personal, you have more of a bond," said Sciumbato, who's been rescuing animals for 30 years.
Sciumbato said it's important to teach children about respecting nature and wild animals at a young age.
"Wild animals are not pets," she said.
Sciumbato operates Morning Star Rehabilitation Center in Gravette, where she rescues squirrels, rabbits, birds and other mammals. After 20 years teaching ecology at Rogers High School, she speaks to groups two or three times a month about conservation.
The wildlife symposium was one of a handful events the library sponsored specifically for youngsters, said Roxie Wright, library director.
Other events over the summer brought a magician and "mad scientist" to the library to reward kids for their voracious reading, Wright said.
The library's summer reading program was designed to get books in the hands of kids while they're out of school, Wright said. Kids were divided into two age groups of 2 to 6 and 7 to 12, and the library managed each child's reading log over the summer. This year's theme was heroes.
More than 100 kids signed up this summer and combined to read 1,222 books, Wright said. David Reyneart, 7, read 72 books over the summer, the most for his age group. Carter Close, 6, captured first place in his age group, reading 111 books.
"We want to associate the library as a place to have fun and get together with the community," Wright said. "It's not just a place to sit down and be quiet, but a place to have a good time."
General News on 07/22/2015