LATI 14-4 Jennifer Smith Montgomery County Public Library

Program Proposal

Program: Hedgehog Tales Event Type: Special Program Date: July 15th, 2015 Time: 4 - 5pm Library: Aspen Hill Branch Ages: All ages Status: Unregistered program, unlimited number of patrons Program Description: Join Jennifer Smith of the Hedgehog Welfare Society as she discusses African Pygmy Hedgehogs and how they are as pets. Meet her two adopted hedgehogs, Belle and Khaki. A craft for children will follow the presentation. All ages are welcome. Need for the program: Introduces children to an exotic pet that they would normally never meet. Works with STEM for science/zoology and how to effectively raise an animal. All ages are welcome, so adults can ask questions and be introduced to hedgehogs. This program would show library customers that the library is not just about books, its about introducing customers to experiences and ideas. This is in conjunction with the Montgomery County Public Libraries mission statement of sustaining and enriching customers lives with new ideas and information. Potential Community Partner: The library would work with the Hedgehog Welfare Society, a national non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing hedgehogs. Childrens librarians would work together to help coordinate this event and assist Jennifer Smith. Steps for Setting Up Program Event:

1. Contact Jennifer Smith 5-6 weeks in advance to book program. 2. Reserve meeting room. 3. Publish event in online programming system eVanced and print flyers on the event. 4. Contact local publications such as The Gazette to publicize the event, as well as local schools. 5. Promote on social media. 6. On the day of the event, set up chairs for adults in the meeting room and clear floor space for

children, as well as room for playpen for hedgehogs. Put tape on the floor showing where children should stay behind. Table needed for Jennifer Smith, as well as two chairs on opposite sides of the room.

7. A staff member should be on hand to assist Jennifer Smith. 8. Count attendance for event.

Contact: Jennifer Smith Telephone: 240-773-9410

Email: Jennifer.Smith@montgomerycountymd.gov

Immediate Release Meet real hedgehogs at the Aspen Hill library on Wednesday, July 15th, 2015! ASPEN HILL, MD July 15th, 2015 from 4-5pm Have you ever met a real hedgehog before? Stop by Aspen Hill Library on Wednesday, July 15th to meet Belle and Khaki, two rescued African Pygmy Hedgehogs from the Hedgehog Welfare Society. Learn about how hedgehogs are as pets, their quirks and personalities, and discover if hedgehogs are right for your family. This event is free, open to all ages, and there is no registration required. Jennifer Smith from the Hedgehog Welfare Society will be on hand to discuss the care and handling of hedgehogs and will answer any questions regarding their needs. Children will have a chance to pet the hedgehogs and a craft will follow the presentation. This event will be publicized on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest through the Montgomery County Public Libraries social media team. Please see our website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library for more details. Aspen Hill Library 4407 Aspen Hill Road, Rockville, MD 20853 240-773-9410 TTY 301-871-2096