Mea Abramson’s eyes widened in shock as a large scaly boa constrictor was lifted from behind a table, while other young audience members cheered with excitement. The snake wrapped around the caretaker's neck, making its way through the activities room at the Harker Heights Public Library.

This thrilling moment was part of The Creature Teacher, an exotic live animal presentation that enchanted dozens of children and their parents. Each strange and sometimes otherworldly animal was showcased up close, from a kangaroo to a frog, and of course, the boa constrictor.

“The Creature Teacher comes to the library most summers,” said Erica Rossmiller, the Children's Librarian. “This year, we introduced kids to a few animal friends, hoping to foster a deeper love for learning. If children are inspired by these animals, we can guide them to books that might spark a lifelong passion.”

The Creature Teacher is just one of many free events hosted by the library. “We are a family place library,” Rossmiller explained. “We focus on books, education, and literacy, but we also emphasize family bonding and community experiences. We want to be a hub for families to come, learn, and grow.”