The Ashland Public Library is hosting their first-ever children’s book reading complete with arts and crafts and a special visit from a real-life turtle. 

Accomplished Author Esther McNaull Oyster Queneau will read her book, Quertle the Turtle to both children and Ashland community members.

The book is about a happy, outgoing, young sea turtle that finds the joy in everyday life playing with his ocean companions. The tale leads readers on an epic journey of the turtle, who embarks on a memorable quest in an attempt make it back to his loved ones, safe and sound, after being swept away by a strong gust of wind.

 After the reading, illustrator Steve Huber will demonstrate the craft for the evening, which includes showing individuals how to make turtles out of brown paper lunch bags, construction paper, and an array of colorful markers.

“We kind of took advantage of the fact that the illustrator is an art teacher that we know will do stuff for us,” the youth and outreach manager at the library, Brenda Guggenbiller, said. “These are local people who have created something and who want to share it.”

Although this is the first time a reptile will be featured in the library, over the years, many animals have made an appearance, including everything from lovable dogs to furry alpacas.

“We have had lots of different animals; we actually have a program called “Sit, Stay, Read” which is every other Wednesday,” the coordinator of community services, Adrienne Shores, said. “We have a lady who brings in Newfoundland therapy dogs, where the kids get to sit and read to the dogs. It helps them overcome their fear of reading aloud because the dogs don’t judge anyone.”

A friend of Huber’s owns the turtle, and although the children may not have the opportunity to pet the turtle directly, they can use the turtle to help stimulate their creativity.

“Reptiles do carry Salmonella, so we do have to be careful and make sure that everyone washes their hands,” Guggenbiller said. “It will probably be in some sort of a tub, and they might even have the turtle crawl around the floor. If nothing else, they can always look at the turtle to get inspiration for their projects.”

Shores said how including animals in the library’s educational programs helps assimilate children and expose them to a whole new world of possibilities.

“Everyone is always really excited to see live animals,” Shores said. “I think it is good for the kids to realize that big things can come from a small town; this [event] will stir their imaginations and passions for doing what they love.”

The event will take place for all children and their families on the bottom level of the library in the conference room on Sept. 28 from 4-5:30 p.m.  

For more information, visit http://quertletheturtle.com/2016/08/17/quertle-story-time/.

Additionally, the library is currently looking for individuals who have a passion for volunteering to spend about an hour or two each week disinfecting toys for young children to play with.

If interested, contact Hayley Tracy-Bursley, who is the youth services coordinator, or Guggenbiller for more information.