Oakley the eastern screech-owl, Araés the swallow-tailed kite, Ruby the red-tailed hawk and Max the bald eagle made a special appearance at the Leesburg Public Library on Friday during the Wings of Liberty: A Live Raptor Experience event.
Nicole Jones, administrative assistant and volunteer coordinator for the Avian Reconditioning Center in Apopka, and volunteer Wendy McEldowney explained the biology of the birds and how they navigate nature during the educational event, which was part of the library’s America250 series.
Libraries in Sumter, Lake and Marion counties are hosting events during the summer to commemorate America’s anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Robert Voyles, the Leesburg library’s program coordinator, said by incorporating America250 programming at the library, residents get to participate in a unique celebration.
“We didn’t want this milestone to feel like a dry history lesson,” Voyles said. “So, we curated a diverse lineup that explores American history, culture and symbolism from all angles. By mixing historical lectures and movie screenings with classic American music performances and even an up-close encounter with a live bald eagle, we are inviting residents of all ages to experience our heritage firsthand.”
Parents, grandparents, children and teens filled meeting rooms A and B of the Leesburg library for the hour-and-a-half program that featured a close-up look at the various talons, feathers and beaks, and the firsthand experience of feeling the rush of wind Max the bald eagle produced when he flapped his wings. Attendees also learned little-known and fun facts about the raptors, including that Oakley got his name for his ability to camouflage himself among the oak trees, and that the screech sound often used for bald eagles on TV actually belongs to the red-tailed hawk.
McEldowney, of the Village of Lynnhaven, has volunteered with ARC for the past eight years and said it’s been an unbelievable experience. She enjoys connecting with the community to inspire conscientious care of the environment by participating in presentations like Wings of Liberty.
“When you look at our birds, you just develop a passion for them,” she said. “I want to make sure that people learn what’s going on in our environment and what they can do to protect it.”
The next event for the Leesburg Public Library’s America250 series will be The Star-Spangled Songbook with Dave DeLuca from 1 to 2 p.m. June 27. Featuring songs like “Blue Skies,” “Cheek to Cheek” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing,” the musical tribute will honor American composers and lyricists who shaped the nation.
The Sumter County Library System is commemorating America’s semiquincentennial with patriotic swag, music and storytelling.
Residents can pick up handheld American flags and pocket-size copies of the U.S. Constitution with the Declaration of Independence at any one of its branches through July 31or until supplies last.
Roy Stone will lead a magical road trip across America, telling stories about George Washington, Ponce de León and more with his puppets during American Road Trip: One Nation, Many Magical Stories from 11 a.m. to noon June 22 at The Villages Public Library at Pinellas Plaza.
The Villages Florida Recorder Ensemble will perform patriotic tunes from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. July 1 at The Villages Public Library at Pinellas Plaza, 7375 Powell Road, No. 100, The Villages.
In Marion County, the Belleview Public Library, 13145 SE Highway 484, Belleview, currently is hosting weekly events as a part of its Celebrate America! Program. The library is presenting a nature-themed event for children ages 5 to 12 years old at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, including the Wild and Wonderful Florida on June 23 and Where in the World? National Parks on July 28.
To discover more events to add to your calendar, visit mylakelibrary.org, sumtercounty.librarycalendar.com or library.marionfl.org.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
