Pets of All Kinds Welcome To Lee Road Library Wednesday

Libraries don’t normally welcome pets. But this week, Heights Libraries is celebrating all mammal, rodent and amphibian friends at its second annual “Pet Show.”

Children’s dogs, cats, frogs, hamsters and other animals kept as pets are invited to the from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 20. The free event is a tribute to and was inspired by the children’s book Pet Show! by Ezra Jack Keats.

Children will have the opportunity to showcase their animals’ talents and talk about what makes them great at this show-and-tell that will feature up to 40 pets.

Last year, some animals wore costumes, such as Gizmo the cat, who wore Cleveland Indians gear, and Erin the dog, who donned a red dress with polka dots.

“The library’s show is very similar to the show in the book,” said youth services librarian Susan Black in a press release. “Our show brings together kids from our community, just like in the book, and gives them an opportunity to share their love and pride for their pets.”

Each child participating will receive a certificate and a copy of The Tarantula in My Purse. The library will also run a raffle drawing for gift certificates to and .

Participants must register online or call 216-932-3600. Parents are required to accompany their kids and pets should be on a leash or in a cage or carrier.

To browse photos from last year’s event, .