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The day the snake came to the library

| 02 Jul 2012 | 09:42
    Dawn Masino with Rizzo's Reptile Discovery lets Zachary Zampella, 5, of Ogdensburg pet the Burmese python.
    Dawn Masino with Rizzo's Reptile Discovery lets Zachary Zampella, 5, of Ogdensburg pet the Burmese python.
    Alisha Anjum, 8, of Hardyston, gets to hold up one section of the Burmese python.
    Alisha Anjum, 8, of Hardyston, gets to hold up one section of the Burmese python.
    A pygmy hedgehog also came along for the library visit.
    A pygmy hedgehog also came along for the library visit.
    Dawn Masino, with Rizzo' Reptile Discovery, explains the feeding habits of an alligator snapping turtle.
    Dawn Masino, with Rizzo' Reptile Discovery, explains the feeding habits of an alligator snapping turtle.

FRANKLIN — Snakes in a library! It is not the latest horror movie but the kickoff of the summer reading program at the Franklin Library, which was held Friday. The 80 participants quickly overfilled the original, indoor location but the reptiles may have enjoyed the hot, dry weather outside rather than an air-conditioned room.

“This is a great program,” said Franklin Borough Mayor Paul Crowley. “The kids love it and it is a nice day to do it outside."

Dawn Masino of Mount Olive, an employee of Rizzo’s Reptile Discovery, reached into several large boxes to remove various animals. She encouraged an alligator snapping turtle to chomp down on an index card, demonstrating the strength and sharpness of its jaws.

The children could carefully pet most of the animals except the turtle, the spine covered hedgehog and the tarantula. The Burmese Python drew the most squeals and comments.

For more photos by John Church go to advertisernewssouth.com