This is in my backyard! The reflector.com writes “Children gathered at library to hear stories, make crafts.
Larger than life Sasquatch prints started popping up in the days before the Battle Ground Community Library’s Bigfoot at the Library event Thursday afternoon.
Each family who showed up at the event received a noble fir seedling — donated by the Friends of the Battle Ground Community Library — to serve as future habitat for the elusive forest dweller.
“He’s a very shy guy. He doesn’t like to be seen,” said Genevieve Brown, senior library assistant.
Children gathered with library staff to make crafts, check out books and hear stories about the mysterious creature.
Brown came up with the idea for the Bigfoot-themed event.
“It’s fun to hear the stories, and fun, especially with little kids, to go out in the woods to do Bigfoot hunts.”
The event is designed to draw children into the library, but also to teach them “to appreciate the nature of what’s in our area … and the stories that have been passed down,” she said.
Brown taught children at the event that creatures like Bigfoot, mermaids, unicorns and fairies are known as cryptids, and said the creatures, also known as Sasquatch, are often seen in the Pacific Northwest.
The activities began with a story called “The Boy who Cried Bigfoot,” by Scott Magoon.
Children could make rubbings of Bigfoot footprints, make their own footprints and Bigfoot dolls on popsicle sticks, measure how tall they were in comparison to Bigfoot, and other activities.
A number of Bigfoot related books were available for checkout.
The event, like Bigfoot, attracted a lot of attention.
“It’s definitely something that interests children and adults alike,” said Jurinda Swingruber, youth service librarian.
Darien Lemarr, 6, could hardly contain himself during Brown’s presentation on the big-footed beast.
“He is obsessed with Bigfoot,” said Darien’s mother, April Lemarr.
The library has events such as this several times a year.
“They have awesome events, especially during the summer,” Lemarr said. “I think we’re a little bit spoiled.”