"Out of This World" Animals Make a Pit Stop in Grand Terrace

Taking a step into the Community Room at Grand Terrace Hall on Thursday, June 25, was a step out of this world and into an animal kingdom. The Friends of the Grand Terrace Library welcomed dozens of young guests and their parents to Pacific Animal Productions' "Out of This World Animals" presentation, part of the statewide Summer Reading Program, where they got a first-hand look at a diverse range of exotic animals. Animals like a hedgehog, a monitor lizard, an Australian kookaburra and a chinchilla were on display for kids to look at, interact with and ask questions about. Longtime Friends of the Grand Terrace Library member Barbara Khacherian explained that the group regularly fundraises through its annual Book Sale at the Country Fair to help bring several summer programs - this year, a total of seven - to the community. Events include the animal presentation, magic and juggling shows and even a chemistry demonstration. "The programs have been running for many years," Khacherian said, "and we do it because it's beneficial for the children. They get here, they see something they're interested in and then they visit the library and check out books." Alongside funding summer events, the Friends also donate money to allow the library to purchase new books, said Khacherian. Even children who haven't yet learned to read are encouraged to check out books, said Khacherian, so their parents can read to them. The summer reading program encourages kids to set reading goals while incorporating fun and interactive activities to engage them. Khacherian explained readers who accomplish their goals receive various prizes, including book bags and gift certificates to places such as Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour. "You have businesses who help and contribute to the summer reading program," said Khacherian. Danielle Martinez of San Bernardino brought her three children to the Grand Terrace Library on Thursday, where they checked out several books following the animal performance down the hall. Martinez has participated in the events in the past, she said, and continues to do so for several reasons. "I like them because they're educational and it keeps the kids busy," she said, her 1-year-old son Elijah in her arms and her daughters, Zoey, 6, and Ailey, 4, held book bags full of books. "It gives them something to do when they're on vacation in the summer and they're learning things and enjoying themselves. They're into animals so today was a special treat." The programs sponsored by the Friends of the Grand Terrace Library run mostly Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. The next Friends-sponsored event is the Juggling Show by David Cousin on July 2.