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Hands On Exotics

Libraries

A Library Program They Talk About All Summer

Exotic animal programs designed for branch reading rooms — summer reading kickoffs, themed story times, and system-wide programming weeks. Multi-age formats, branch-friendly logistics.

A library is the only public space left where wonder is the entire point. We try to live up to that when we walk in.

Seth Falk, Founder
Our Programs

Programs Built Around Your Reading Calendar

A multicultural group of children of varied ages gathered around a green-winged macaw perched on a Hands On Exotics handler arm in a library program room
Summer Reading

Summer Reading Kickoff & Closing

Anchor your summer reading program with an event that pulls families through the door. Our handlers run a sensory-rich animal encounter timed to your kickoff weekend or wrap-up celebration — the kind of programming that turns "I should sign up" into "we are going."

  • Multi-age format (toddlers through tweens) in a single 60-minute window
  • Animals selected for calm temperament in group settings
  • Promotional photo opportunities for branch social channels
Book a Summer Program
Three preschool-age children seated on a story-time rug in a library reading nook, looking with focused wonder at a Russian tortoise next to an open picture book
Story Time Programs

Themed Story Time Add-Ons

Pair a curated read-aloud with the live animal that matches the book — a tortoise after Yertle the Turtle, a hedgehog after a Beatrix Potter session. Children meet the character on the page and then meet the real thing. The connection lands harder than either format does alone.

  • Single-branch or rotating multi-branch series
  • Handler reads or co-presents alongside library staff
  • Books to feature can be selected from your existing collection
Plan a Story Time
A multicultural crowd of families and children gathered in a library atrium around a hedgehog on a low display table, with a Hands On Exotics handler presenting at the edge of the frame
Branch & System Events

Branch-Wide & System-Wide Events

Library days, system-wide programming weeks, branch anniversaries — we scale the experience to fit. A single branch open house or a coordinated multi-branch run, all with consistent quality, branded signage, and a single point of coordination on our end.

  • Scales from a single branch to a system-wide week
  • One coordinator handles scheduling across all branches
  • Suitable for outdoor courtyard or indoor program room setups
Plan a Branch Event

Programs that fill the room

A summer reading event no kid forgets

Branch-friendly logistics, multi-age formats, and animals selected for calm group settings — built for librarians who want one easy yes for the calendar.

Library Partner Reviews

What Library Programmers Are Saying

From Inquiry to Program Day

A streamlined booking process designed for branch programmers.

  1. Inquiry

    Tell us your branch, dates, and program format. We respond within one business day.

  2. Program Design

    We tailor animal selection, age range, and session length to fit your reading program or branch event.

  3. Confirm Date

    Lock in the visit, sign the agreement, and pay the deposit. Insurance certificate sent to your branch coordinator.

  4. Program Day

    Our handlers arrive 15 minutes early with all animals, supplies, and sanitization stations.

Why Library Systems Trust Us

Licensed, insured, and credentialed for safe programming in public branches.

MNR Licensed

Ministry of Natural Resources

In-Depth Handler Training

Trained on every species we bring

Vulnerable Sector Checked

Police-verified handlers

Fully Insured

Comprehensive Liability Coverage

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything library programmers ask before booking.

We work across the full childhood spectrum — toddler story times through tween summer reading events. Our handlers tailor language, pacing, and animal selection on the fly, and a single 60-minute session can comfortably hold a multi-age audience. For programs aimed at a narrower age band (toddler-only, school-age-only) we adjust the lineup accordingly.

Still have questions?

Get in Touch