Over 200 captivated by Mr. Drew’s animals

Mr. Drew and His Animals, Too, drew the largest crowd ever to the Albert Church Brown Memorial Library. Over 200 children, parents and grandparents were in attendance. (photo courtesy of Carla Gade)

by Carla Gade

Mr. Drew and His Animals Too visited the Albert Church Brown Memorial Library, in China Village, earlier this month, captivating an audience of over 200 children and their parents, grandparents, and others of all ages, being the largest turn out ever for the library.

Mr. Drew tours around the state with his educational show of rehabilitated reptiles from his educational outreach and rescue center in Lewiston. This event was a kick-off for the library’s Summer Reading Program, Tales & Tales, which runs until August 27, and can be joined at any time throughout the summer.

Mr. Drew shows off his python. (photo courtesy of Carla Gade)

Beneath a large tent and overflowing onto the lawn, gathered dozens of eager children and many adults, all eagerly awaiting Mr. Drew to reveal his first creature. They gasped when Mr. Drew held up a giant Tarantula. As Mr. Drew showed the intimidating spider, he shared how delicate they are and that they, too, are easily scared. Mr. Drew entertained with giant cockroaches climbing over his face, and showed off a small lizard, a turtle and large tortoise. With the split tongue of his black and white Tegu lizard slipping in and out of its mouth, Mr. Drew told how the lizard uses its tongue for breathing.

He delighted with interesting facts and stories about how his animals came to his facility. One by one, Mr. Drew retrieved more creatures from a large woven basket. You guessed it. Snakes! An albino snake and what appeared to be a snake but was really a long legless lizard fascinated the crowd. At last, all were awed when Mr. Drew pulled up a huge Python, which proceeded to slither over and around his shoulders. After the presentation the children were able to look at the reptiles up close and pet some of them. The tortoise and iguana were of particular interest as well as the Python, whom my own grandson was able to hold.

Coming up next, children’s author, Tamra Wight, will visit the library during Storytime on Saturday, August 13, at 11 a.m.. Wight is the author of the suspenseful eco-mystery series Cooper & Pack Rat (Ilandport Press), inspired by her time owning and operating Poland Spring Campground for near three decades. The guest author will share about her books and experiences and show her wildlife photography. She will also have books on hand to sell and autograph. For children of all ages.

On Sunday, September 18, at 2 p.m., the Albert Church Brown Memorial Library will host another Maine author in an event for all ages. Stephen Constanza, of Belfast, is an author, illustrator, and musician who will feature his book King of Ragtime: The Story of Scott Joplin. Constanza has appeared at the Camden Opera House and other large venues, so the library is delighted to have him visit China Village. He will also offer his books for sale and to be autographed.

Please RSVP for events on Facebook @chinalibrary, email, or in person, although all are welcome to come even as walk-ins.

The Albert Church Brown Memorial Library is located at 37 Main Street, in China Village, and is open on Tuesday and Thursday, from 2 – 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. More information is available at chinalibrary.org.