Children will be able to pick up more than a book at their local library with an animal roadshow on tour that will feature tree frogs, tarantulas and giant snails.

Children will be able to pick up more than a book at their local library with an animal roadshow on tour that will feature tree frogs, tarantulas and giant snails.

The roadshow will visit 14 libraries in Suffolk, and rangers from Zoolab will bring a selection of small animals, ranging from furry and cuddly to more exotic creepy-crawlies.

The interactive event runs during half-term next week, and has been arranged by Suffolk County Council.

After a talk by the Zoolab rangers, who have backgrounds in zoology, biology, ecology, animal husbandry and teaching, the children will get a chance to handle the animals – with the exception of the scorpion and tarantula.

County councillor Kathy Pollard, portfolio holder for access, community involvement and consultation, said: “Modern libraries are about more than just collections of books and we are always trying to find different ways of attracting new visitors. With these visits from Zoolab we are bringing some of that world into the libraries for children to see at first hand.”

Other animals that could put in an appearance include guinea pigs, gerbils, rats, snakes, giant millipedes, stick insects, cockroaches and scorpions.

The event is free, but places are limited to 35 children per session and parents are asked to call the library in advance. The roadshow will take place as follows:

t Sunday February 13 – Newmarket 10.15am-12.15pm, Mildenhall 1.45-3.45pm

t Monday February 14 – Ipswich 10.30am-12.30pm, Chantry 2.30-4.30pm

t Tuesday February 15 – Capel St Mary 10am-12pm, Felixstowe 2-4pm

t Wednesday February 16 – Lowestoft 10.30am-12.30pm, Wickham Market 2.30-4.30pm

t Thursday February 17 – Thurston 10.30am-12.30pm, Ixworth 2-4pm

t Friday February 18 – Halesworth 10.45am-12.45pm, Stradbroke 2.45-4.45pm

t Saturday February 19 – Clare 10am-noon, Sudbury 2-4pm.