Gatesville library Storytime draws 110 with petting zoo fun

A petting zoo on the Gatesville Public Library grounds turned weekly Storytime into a bigger family outing, drawing 110 children and their families for a morning of stories, animal encounters, laughter and excitement.

Hal & Jo’s Funny Farm brought the hands-on animal experience to the library, giving children a chance to read, learn and interact with animals in a supervised setting. The turnout matters in Gatesville because the library has been working to rebuild daily use and widen its reach beyond book borrowing. Library Director Shea Harp said the library’s reopening day on Saturday, May 7, 2025, started with Storytime for preschool and elementary-aged children, and that staff saw 125 patrons come in to see the building and visit. This latest crowd suggests that family programming continues to be one of the strongest ways the library is drawing people back.

The Gatesville Public Library describes itself as a place for learning, technology, entertainment and connection, and its summer reading and other programming are aimed at children, teens and adults. That approach reflects a practical reality in Coryell County, where free or low-cost activities can make a difference for parents looking to fill summer days without adding to household expenses. The petting zoo gave Storytime a visible public draw, but it also reinforced the library’s role as a place where children can practice social interaction, meet local organizations and make positive memories with their families.

Support for that work comes in part from the Friends of the Gatesville Public Library, which sponsor the Summer Reading Club each year and back the library with volunteer hours and monetary donations. The library’s current programming calendar also lists Storytime as a recurring event in May 2026, underscoring that this was part of a steady rhythm of youth programming rather than a one-time attraction.

Hal & Jo’s Funny Farm has already shown up at other Gatesville community events, including Shivaree, which makes its return to the library grounds part of a familiar local pattern. In a city where institutions increasingly have to show public value, the library’s ability to fill its lawn with 110 children and parents points to a simple conclusion: in Gatesville, a library can still function as both a literacy center and a family gathering place.