Carroll County Library Summer Readers Get Wild, Then Sophisticated

HUNTINGDON (July 7–11) — Carroll County Library’s summer reading program continued last week with two very different events: a wild program by Natchez Trace State Park and a sophisticated Tea(-Rex) Party.

Park Ranger Jeffrey Johnson of Natchez Trace State Park visited Carroll County Library Tuesday morning for what promised to be an interesting educational program. Using pelts of various animals native or somewhat common to the northwest region of Tennessee, Ranger Johnson taught attendees about the personalities and quirks of possums, skunks, raccoons, river otters, beavers, red foxes, gray foxes, white tail deer, cougars and black bears.

Ranger Johnson then introduced attendees to Checkers — a live corn snake who, unfortunately, had a smelly accident in her cage before her big reveal. Although attendees were unable to touch Checkers, Ranger Johnson allowed them to take a peek into her cage. He held her out for everyone to see while he taught attendees the differences between constrictors and venomous snakes. At the end of his presentation, Ranger Johnson invited attendees to get a closer look at Checkers, and he allowed them to touch the many animal pelts he brought for display.

On Saturday, the library hosted a “Tea-Rex Party.” Library staff were dressed as dinosaurs and paleontologists, but two special guests came dressed for a sophisticated tea party.

Dana Wyatt, art teacher at Huntingdon High School, and Christy Hodge, a local farmer, presented an informative program about tea and tea party etiquette.

They spoke about some different kinds of teas and tea parties, place settings and proper use of each item. They shared stories and showed photographs from experiences abroad, including in England. Hodge brought a family heirloom teacup and saucer and some exotic tea from Israel for the summer readers to see (and smell).

Wyatt and Hodge also conducted a simple experiment to show why you can put lemon or milk in your tea, but never both. A lemon squeezed into a cup of milk resulted in immediate curdling.

After the program, summer readers and other guests enjoyed a dino-themed tea party spread, complete with finger foods, tea and desserts.

The Carroll County Library summer reading program concludes this week with two events. A “Fossil Dig” is Tuesday, July 14 at 10:30 a.m., and the summer reading finale celebration is Friday, July 17 at 10:30 a.m.