Animals Are Not Just Friends of Snow White

Published on February 04, 2025

deer peeking through a window at the library

Creatures Who Have Found Their Way to the Library

By Alice S.

Snakes and ducks and dogs, oh my! Siouxland Libraries is a very welcoming place. At times, the libraries may even be a little too welcoming. Creatures great and small have come to bask in the aura of the library. What kind, you may ask? Friends as small as spiders and birds, and as large as turkeys and deer. 

Sometimes we have animals as library guests on purpose. Check out these kids (baby goats) that our staff adored!

a library staff member holding a baby goata library staff member sitting with a baby goat and a booklibrary staff member holding a baby goat

Partnerships with local agencies like Glean for Good and the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society have allowed library programs with many animals, including kittens, chicks, and piglets. As Siouxland Libraries’ vision states, we “promote a lifelong love of reading, learning, and literacy.” Hands-on is one of the best ways to learn.

Though you may have heard in a previous blog post about Oak View being a magnet for critters, many other locations have had some unique, less-than-scheduled animal experiences as well.

three turkeys standing near benches outside of a library

As the Caille Branch is located near a wooded area with water, it’s not a surprise that deer and turkeys have been seen there. Less expected was this tortoise in the parking lot. No worries, though; staff relocated it closer to the water.

A tortoise relaxes in the dirt, beside a curb.

Speaking of reptiles, both the Downtown Library and the Oak View Branch have reported snakes.  All were safely removed from the premises, but not without causing a few nervous goosebumps.

snake by a brick wall a small snake inside a library

Sightings of insects and arachnids are common. Personally, I had an “awe moment” when I saw this little guy hanging out at the Ronning Branch. Another mantis has been seen at the Hartford Branch, and yet another at the Prairie West Branch.

A praying mantis sits on the book drop cover.

Birds have been in most of our buildings at one point or another, including the Downtown Library, Brandon, Oak View, and Ronning Branches. One bird even wanted to go for a ride with our courier driver delivering bins of items to the branches. But my favorite story is of the birds on the roof at the Crooks Branch that fell into the building through the can lighting. Talk about dropping in to the library for an afternoon! [Insert groan.]

bird sitting on the dashboard inside of a truckbeehive hanging in a tree

Siouxland Libraries has had bees, bats, and lots of ducks. The Downtown Library, Ronning Branch, and Prairie West Branch have all noted ducks who nest near the library or within the landscaping. It is quite the sight watching a mama duck and six ducklings waddle across Main Avenue in downtown Sioux Falls heading to the Big Sioux River.

 Two ducks wander near the staff entrance at the Downtown Library. a mother duck with her ducklings in a flower bed

Lost pets have also made their way to the library. Staff kept them safe and loved until they were reunited with their owners.

A black dog is pet by staff at Oak ViewA brown floppy-eared dog is held by a staff member.

But if you didn’t know, Siouxland regularly has dogs in the library. Our Tail Waggin’ Tutors are certified therapy dogs who help children build their reading confidence by reading aloud to a non-judgmental furry friend. Kids can read to Sadie, Moxxi, Dash, Penny, Izzie, Evie, Boomer, and Button. (Make an appointment with a pup here.)  It’s a great way for kids to practice reading, and of course, pet the dogs, too.

A yellow lab and a small dog wearing red scarvesBlack poodle with a red scarfA black lab wearing a red scarf

Next time you come to the library, keep your eyes peeled.  What creatures will you see?

 

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