Bay Library Friends challenge all ages to read 18,000 hours to 'adopt' tide pool animals

A group of local students enjoy the Tide Pool Exhibit at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center. The Friends of the Bay Village Branch of the Cuyahoga County Library will pay adoption fees for the Tide Pool animals (that include a Clownfish of Nemo fame) as one reward in the Pirates Cove Summer Reading Program.

The Friends of the Bay Village Branch of the Cuyahoga County Library group is offering a unique incentive to encourage readers of all ages to get wrapped up in some good books this summer. Readers can earn both individual prizes as well as the long-term “adoption” of the aquatic animals living in Lake Erie Nature & Science Center’s Tide Pool Exhibit. The Friends group has pledged to pay Tide Pool Adoption fees for up to a year as a reward for hours logged during the Pirates Cove Summer Reading Program.

The Pirates Cove program kicks off at the Bay Branch with a celebration for all ages at the library on Saturday, June 5, from 1-5 p.m. The kick-off event features Pirates of the Caribbean impersonators, jolly crafts, a library treasure hunt, and entry into the Pirate's Cove (if you dare!). You don’t have to attend the kick-off event to join the summer reading fun. Just stop by the library, fill out an entry and get started on your first game board. 

The goal is to reach a staggering 18,000 hours of summer reading, but in past years, area book lovers have met and even exceeded the goal, earning the adoption of both the Bald Eagle and Owl at the Center.

Lake Erie Nature & Science Center’s "Adopt An Animal" program allows wildlife lovers to help pay for the care and feeding of the dozens of animals on exhibit and used in teaching and outreach. Adopt An Animal sponsorships are available for as little as $5 per month, with the Tide Pool adoption fee set at $25 per month. Of course, “adopted” animals stay at the Center, but donors can visit them during regular Center hours, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily.

Shawn Salamone is Community Relations Manager at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center.