LINCOLNVILLE — Saturday morning, June 29, at 10 a.m., will find young Lincolnville children and the families meeting some unusual wildlife at the Lincolnville Community Library. Wayne King, reptile enthusiast and amateur herpetologist, will show and tell about his reptiles, how he came to love reptiles of all kinds, and the complexities of raising and caring for these special creatures. King will have with him boas, a ball python, a gargoyle gecko, a king snake, a California red-sided garter snake and a leachianus gecko.

King, a native New Yorker, first discovered his love of snakes at age four when he came upon a garter snake in his yard on Long Island. Presenting the snake to his mother, he was surprised and delighted to see her cringe. That was enough to let him know that he had something very special in his hands. After that, King read everything he could about snakes; in fact, he still has his first snake book. King’s passion was spurred by a visit to Jungle Bob’s Reptile World on Long Island where he saw “real” snakes for the first time. So began the passion for raising and enjoying these special reptiles.

Now retired to Maine, King, a professional electrician for forty years, has lots of time to work with the reptiles in his collection and to work on his new farmhouse in Lincolnville. Besides reptiles, King’s other interests include reading about World War I and II and getting to know the area and its residents.

King’s program will be the first event of Summer Reading Challenge for area children. Included in the summer’s activities are a visit from Chewonki with a nature program called “Scales and Tails”, a visit from Marine Mammals of Maine seal rescue program, a celebration of national Chocolate Chip Cookie Day, and a Makers’ Day on July 13 during and after the annual Strawberry parade and festival at the community center in Lincolnville.

Lincolnville Community Library is located at 208 Main Street in Lincolnville. Questions? 207-706-3896 or email questions@lincolnvillelibrary.org