Gasps, smiles and wide-eyed wonder filled the large and open area of the main floor -right in the middle of the books- at Knowlton Library on July 23 when the Ohio School of Falconry brought several magnificent birds of prey for an up-close educational experience that many local children will never forget.

Led by Ohio School of Falconry founder Joseph Dorrian, the program introduced families to the world of raptors and the centuries-old sport of falconry. But beyond the feathers, talons and soaring wings, the afternoon was really about inspiring young minds.

“We call it planting seeds,” Dorrian explained. “A bird in the hand is a bird in the brain. We want kids of all ages to give a hoot about wildlife and wild places.”

Dorrian said libraries are a natural fit for the program because books sparked his own passion for birds of prey when he was a young boy.

“A library was where my passion for raptors started,” he said. “A kid can see a bird and then go and read about the bird. Books create dreaming, goals, possibility, and connection.”

The excitement was evident as children were selected to wear a protective glove to experience the thrill of having a bird land on their arm.

For Lisa Hammond, the moment was equal parts excitement and nerves.

“I actually felt the hair raise up on my arm,” she said. “It just felt like a small weight on my arm. It was both terrifying and amazing.”