Libraries

Blank Park Zoo’s Summer Library Program has returned and is going to make one giant SPLASH!  Encourage children’s imaginations to come alive by inviting some real animals to your library this summer. 

The following are descriptions of the various sessions we have available for our 2010 Summer Library Program: 

A.  Wet n’ Wild Iowa Waterways
This session hits close to home as children discover characteristics, habitats, and behaviors of the diverse collection of animals that inhabit our local rivers, lakes, and ponds.

B.  Aquatic Invasion
Lock the doors behind you so the intruders don’t sneak in because they are bound to create all sorts of trouble! Students will discover what happens to local animals when a foreign species invades their habitat.  

C.  Sea Mania
Children will develop awareness of oceans and ocean life as they explore varying saltwater fish, marine mammals, and deep sea critters that lurk miles below the ocean’s surface.

D.  What’s in Your Water?
Do you ever think about what exactly you are drinking when you pour a glass of water? Animals rely on water from streams, lakes, and oceans to survive. We will test water from various sources and discuss how water composition impacts animals.  

E.  Guppy Tales
We will read an exciting animal tale before meeting two new animal pals! This session is about 30 min. in length and is designed for children ages two to four years old. The class size should be no larger than 25 children. Two back-to-back programs may be booked for $75.00.

F.  Show & Tell
If you anticipate more than 32 participants, this is the program for you! In this option, we can accommodate a large group of all ages. We will bring at least three animals and everyone will enjoy up to an hour of hands-on learning. 

Programs A-D include at least three live animals, are about 45 minutes in length, and are designed for a maximum of 32 participants. If you are unsure of the number of participants who will be attending, please register for our Show & Tell program. Also, please note the age level for each program. Choosing the appropriate program for you library helps us determine which animal visitors to bring and helps ensure that everyone will enjoy the show. 

All programs are $75.00 plus a mileage charge for any library located more than 4o miles from the zoo ($.485 per mile roundtrip). 

Animals that may visit your library include an American alligator, salamander, duck, toad, ball python, chicken, gopher tortoise, and many more!

TO SCHEDULE YOUR SUMMER LIBRARY PROGRAM:  Contact Audrey Pohlmann at 515-974-2556 or ampohlmann@blankparkzoo.org.

*Programs for libraries are also available throughout the year.  For non-summer months, libraries can choose one of the above water theme sessions or our very popular “Show & Tell” program.