Many children gathered in Smithville as Justin Potter Library’s Summer Reading Program kicked off on Thursday. The children enjoyed a visit from Ranger Sarah Brown and her friends from Edgar Evins State Park.

The children enjoyed Ranger Brown reading a book about animals at the Great Smokey Mountains, which she wrote herself, as well as seeing and touching friendly reptiles.

Ranger Brown showed the excited group a turtle, a corn snake and an albino snake. Children were allowed to touch the snakes to see how they feel.

Along with visiting with the reptiles, children set their own reading goal and will receive a participation certificate and other goodies at the final party on June 28 to be held at the county complex theatre. 

The next even is scheduled for June 8 at 2:30 p.m., and will be “Runaway Puppet Theatre.”

For more information, call Justin Potter Library at 615-597-4359 or on Facebook.