Palm Coast, FL (May 29, 2021) – Kicking off summer with a bang, it was ‘Tails and Tales’ galore at the Flagler County Public Library on Saturday as families ready to shuck off the COVID malaise and enjoy time together, headed over the check it out.
Set up outdoors in the shade, families were greeted by youth services department staff, including Jessica Robayo, youth services librarian, who was overjoyed with the morning’s turnout.
“Ever since I became the youth services librarian last year I always wanted to do a big kickoff to set off the summer right and in theme with the summer reading theme, which is ‘Tails and Tales’ this year – animal tails and story tales, so I was like – why not being animals to the library?” she mused.
A full on petting zoo with fluffy bunnies, a miniature horse, jumping goats and ducks with Mohawk haircuts kept the tiny tots in awe while the bigger kids tried their hands at tie dye t-shirts and other fun activities before grabbing Kona Ice.
Ready for some good, outdoor fun, mom Jacquie Blom led her family of five to each activity.
“We like everything – the petting zoo is awesome,” she said.
“This is the first big event besides the Touch-a-Truck event that we’ve been to, so it’s really good to see the community come out and see all the kids.”
Heading off around the library for a hopscotch adventure on the sidewalk obstacle course, mom Shantel Finn smiled as daughter Aubrey squealed with delight.
“We’re really excited. We’ve been here a few times to the events they’ve had but this is our first summer one,” said Finn. “We’ve been cooped up so we’re really enjoying this opportunity to get out and play and be around other kids. I know my daughter is really looking forward to being around other kids her age.”
The event kicked off the summer reading program and all of the free activities and programming is supported by the Friends of the Library group. Robayo has been a change agent for the youth program over the past year and a half, and helped breathe new life into the library’s youth department.
“I’m so happy we could do something for our families because it’s been so hard this year. This is more than I could ask for. My heart is full,” said Robayo, looking at all of the smiling faces.
Other Summer Reading Program events include the following:
- Magician Comedian Mark Alan, Tuesday, June 8 at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m.
- Mosquito Control Nicole Graves “Fight the Bite” educational program, Tuesday, June 15 at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m.
- Mad Science Interactive Assembly Program, Tuesday, June 22 at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m.
- Didgeridoo Down Under high-energy Australia-themed that combines music, culture, and comedy, Tuesday, July 6 at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m.
- Singer-songwriter “Mr. Richard” Peeples (pre-registration for this show is required), Tuesday, July 20 at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m.
- Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens “Zoo to You” animals and artifacts that provide hands-on learning, Tuesday, August 3 at 9:30, 10:30, and 11:30 a.m. (note the change in show times)
For more information, contact the Youth Services Desk at 386-446-6763, ext. 3714, or go to the library Facebook page www.Facebook.com/FlaglerCountyPublicLibrary.
