Owls, Snakes and Hissing Cockroaches Invade Westonka Public Library

It was standing room only Thursday afternoon in Mound for a visit by the Minnesota Zoomible to the .

Judy Armstrong showcased a variety of animals, including a horned owl and a large opossum, and kids had a chance to pet a guinea pig, inspect molted snakeskin and pick up a Madagascar hissing cockroach.

"Just like you, all animals need food, water, shelter and r-e-s-p-e-c-t," Armstrong told kids. "Just like you respect other people in your community, you should be respecting animals also."

Marcia Wattson, senior librarian at the Westonka Library, said the Zoomobile's visit to Mound was almost postponed due to heat and wasn't surprised at the full house.

"I don't think that we've had the Zoomobile here before," Wattson said. "Programs that have animals, bugs, reptiles and things are the most popular things we do."

Thursday's Zoomobile stop was the latest in a summer event calendar packed with kid-friendly programs aimed at encouraging reading and continuing learning through the summer months.

A variety of book clubs, visits by groups like the Guthrie Theatre and a Harry Potter party have all been huge hits, and several upcoming events, including an interactive magic show, are likewise expected to draw kids from throughout the Lake Minnetonka area.

Click here to find out more about the Westonka Public Library and other branches of the Hennepin County Library.