The Zoo Man pays 27th visit to MLPL
Snakes alive!
Brent Mielke – aka “The Zoo Man” made his 27th visit to Mountain Lake Public Library (MLPL) this afternoon (Monday, June 26), bringing along a colorful array of slithering reptiles – but the showstoppers were a large – very large – Burmese python, along with a royal python named Razor who has been with The Zoo Man for 29 years.
Mountain Lake Public Library holds recognition as the longest running stop on The Zoo Man’s annual summertime animal tour
The zoo-on-site stop was part of the 2017 Summer Reading Program – “Reading By Design.”
Over the past 30 years, The Zoo Man has performed live in 47 of the 50 United States and Canada, been on numerous television shows – and in one year alone performed 2,300 times. He performs for professional sports franchises, libraries, schools, county fairs and town festivals, in addition to his television appearance.
He used to live in Adrian, Minnesota until a 2006 fire wiped out his zoo. So, he moved back home to Sleepy Eye to relocate his Prairie Winds Zoo, as well as his “side business” – Dungeon Gym.
A graduate of Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri, Mielke has two Masters degrees; one in wellness/exercise science and the other in herpetology (reptiles)/zoology. As The Zoo Man, he makes use of one of his advanced degrees, and with Dungeon Gym, the other.
MLPL Summer Reading Program special events
Aside from summertime reading – and special events like this – the program will also feature “Make & Take” crafts and activities at the library every Tuesday afternoon,
The summer reading program is for young readers from preschool age-to-sixth grade.
Story Times for preschool and school-age children will be on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
+ Tuesday, July 4 – Fourth of July Holiday. Library is closed.
+ Thursday, July 6 – 10 a.m., Story Time for ALL ages.
+ Tuesday, July 11 – 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., “Make & Take” Craft.
+ Wednesday, July 12 – 2:30 p.m., Curtis Mork (a. k. a. “The Lego Guy”) will share his Lego knowledge and expertise and offer some “hands-on” Lego fun for all. This program is funded with money from Minnesota’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.
+ Thursday, July 13 – 10 a.m., Story Time for ALL ages.
+ Tuesday, July 18 – 10 a.m., CLIMB THEATRE presents Aesop’s fable, “The Ant and the Grasshopper.” This program is funded with money from Minnesota’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.
+ Tuesday, July 18 – 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., “Make & Take” Craft.
+ Thursday, July 20 – 10 a.m., Story Time for ALL ages.
+ Tuesday, July 25 – 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., “Make & Take” Craft.
+ Thursday, July 27 – 10 a.m., Story Time for ALL ages.
+ Tuesday, August 1 – 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., “Make & Take” Craft.
+ Thursday, August 3 – 10 a.m., Outdoor Music Program (weather permitting) featuring Leslie Dolby as Rockin’ Red. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. In case of rain, program will be inside. This program is sponsored by Fulda Area Credit Union.
Tuesday, August 8 – 2 p.m., Graylyn Morris as Brodini, Minnesota’s favorite magician with his award-winning Comedy Magic Show.
