Two recent guests at the Oaklawn Library had students getting excited about the great outdoors. Matt Gabriel of Animal World Experience and Mike Girard, a New England caver, spoke to the audience at length about what it is they do, as part of the ongoing summer reading program at the Cranston Public Libraries. In keeping with this year’s program theme “Dig Into Reading,” Gabriel brought with him a wide variety of animals that dig and burrow, while Girard focused on his knowledge of the skills and equipment needed when exploring the caves of New England. 

Gabriel’s animal friends included Amber, a bearded dragon; Angel, a 5-year old white rabbit; an African pigeon hedgehog, Leah; a 4-year-old red-eared slider; a white tree frog; a Degu named Dorie; and Clementine the corn snake. With the presentation and overview of each animal, its defense mechanisms and habits, Gabriel allowed every audience member to pet the animal if they liked, and even let them hold several of them.

Girard presented a PowerPoint presentation to the group, explaining his passion of caving in depth. As a member of the National Speleological Geographical Society, Girard is involved in the research, discovery and exploration of both new and historical caves. He spoke to the guests about what caving is, what types of skills and equipment are needed to be a caver, what types of caves exist in the Northeast, why one would want to be a caver, and why the conservation of caves is important. Girard gave an extensive overview of the caving equipment he brought with him, allowing both the adult and youth guests to get a close-up look at it.

Both Gabriel and Girard let their audience members know that they could learn more about the topics being presented by visiting their local libraries. More information about Gabriel’s Animal World Experience can be found at this website, www.animalworldexperience.com.

The summer reading program is made possible by the following local sponsors: Citizens Bank, Whole Foods Market, Cranston Public Library Association, Friends of the Cranston Public Library, Washington Trust Charitable Foundation, Alex and Ani/Charity by Design, AAA Southern New England, Wal-Mart Foundation, Cranston Municipal Employees Credit Union, Jan Companies, and Applebee’s Garden City.