A hissing cockroach from Madagascar, an American toad, a box turtle, a king snake and a hedgehog all came scurrying into the Cockeysville Library on Friday, Nov. 26 at 2 p.m.

Irvine Nature Center, based in Owings Mills, brought the five, intriguing creatures out to the Cockeysville Library to present one of its oldest and most popular programs, "Animals, Animals, Animals."

An educational program, started more than three decades ago, Animals, Animals, Animals continues to captivate audiences by presenting lesser known facts and information and even allowing spectators the chance to get up close and personal with the featured creatures.

 "We try to bring different types of animals for each program so that children learn about a variety of animals," said Courtney Sagal, Education Administrative Assistant at Irvine Nature Center.

Weekend Naturalist Betsy Kadow, 21, who has been with Irvine Nature Center for two years, headed the program from 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Kadow started out by introducing herself and presenting visitors with important instructions for handling the animals. Next, she introduced the stars themselves, beginning with the smallest critter—a hissing cockroach and then worked her way up to the larger creatures.

With each introduction, Kadow educated the audience with facts about each animal, survival defenses and mechanisms they use and even gave visitors the opportunity to touch each of the animals.

"These events are free and give children the opportunity to learn and explore," said Library Associate John Curreri.

Curreri, 52, has been with Cockeysville Library for 26 years and explained that such events have been occurring regularly since the 1980s.

According to Curreri, these programs have proved successful by drawing in even more regular attendants to the public library in general.

Though this presentation of Animals, Animals, Animals brought in several newcomers, many of the audience members are regular attendees who look forward to such events. 

Timonium residents Michael and Stacy Patterson, who come to the Cockeysville Library often, considered this event to be a good after Thanksgiving activity. As a fun, family outing, the husband and wife brought their two children, ages 4 and 7, out to enjoy the animals.

This fall alone Irvine has done 26 programs at various libraries in Baltimore County including Hereford, Lansdowne, Parkville, Carney, Towson, Reisterstown and many others. The organization also travels to various schools, clubs and organizations for presentations.

"We do many programs for all different ages including adult courses," Kadow said.

In addition to Animals, Animals, Animals, Kadow runs several different programs at Irvine including a "Junior Naturalist" event once a month on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

"This is actually Irvine's 35th year in existence," Sagal said. "Irvine offers educational programming for children through adults with a major emphasis on the natural world. We offer school field trips, summer camps, adult education courses, birthday parties, etc."

Irvine Nature Center is located at is located at 11201 Garrison Forest Road, Owings Mills, MD 21117. For more information on upcoming Irvine Nature Center events in the Cockeysville area, call 410-902-8210 or visit www.explorenature.org.