No Drama Llamas: Accessibility Supports Diversity
The presence of animals in public libraries is far from unusual. For over two decades, therapy dogs have
become regular additions to storytimes, serving as non-judgmental listeners and breaking down literacy barriers for children (Kozikowski,
2018). Animal programming in libraries have since expanded to include a
veritable menagerie and even robotic animals such as the State Library of Queensland’s
therapeutic seal Paro (2017). As a professional development activity, I visited the Deception
Bay Library’s ‘Llamapalooza’ to observe the ways animal programming engages and benefits young people (City of Moreton Bay, 2025).
The presence of animals in public libraries is far from unusual. For over two decades, therapy dogs have become regular additions to storytimes, serving as non-judgmental listeners and breaking down literacy barriers for children (Kozikowski, 2018). Animal programming in libraries have since expanded to include a veritable menagerie and even robotic animals such as the State Library of Queensland’s therapeutic seal Paro (2017). As a professional development activity, I visited the Deception Bay Library’s ‘Llamapalooza’ to observe the ways animal programming engages and benefits young people (City of Moreton Bay, 2025).
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One striking aspect of the event was its low barrier to entry. Unlike
many holiday programs with rigid booking systems; a hurdle for
low-socioeconomic, digitally illiterate, or time-poor families, this
was a drop-in session.
.png)
One striking aspect of the event was its low barrier to entry. Unlike many holiday programs with rigid booking systems; a hurdle for low-socioeconomic, digitally illiterate, or time-poor families, this was a drop-in session.
With this promotional image, I had expected the activity to be inside.
City of Moreton Bay Libraries, 2025
However, holding the event in the parkland adjacent to the library meant
visibility, drawing in passers-by who might not have otherwise entered the
building. This utilisation of outdoor areas expanded my perception of
library space by demonstrating how libraries can create
inclusive environments beyond their four walls.
.png)
With this promotional image, I had expected the activity to be inside.
However, holding the event in the parkland adjacent to the library meant visibility, drawing in passers-by who might not have otherwise entered the building. This utilisation of outdoor areas expanded my perception of library space by demonstrating how libraries can create inclusive environments beyond their four walls.
.png)
While many library
animal programs focus on education or "sitting and
listening" before physical interaction, this session prioritised
direct engagement. Observing the attendees; families, children, and
youth, with the llamas it was clear that the interaction itself was the
learning experience. Anderson & Klipper (2021), assert
that low-pressure activities allowing for participant-led timing and
engagement, builds confidence in autistic children and their parents when
accessing the library services.
City of Moreton Bay Libraries, 2025
The activity is also supported by
research indicating that human-to-non-human contact can significantly
bolster mental well-being for individuals experiencing social isolation,
with Melson & Fine (2019) noting benefits to moral, physiological, and
social development (Young et al., 2020). The inclusion of side-along
programming; a touch-based display comparing alpaca, sheep, and llama
wool, and a staff-supported craft activity, similarly accommodated diverse
learning styles and sensory seekers.
.png)
photograph by author, 2025 According
to Fine & Ferrell (2021), these interactions reduce feelings of social
isolation, increase feelings of belonging, and support non-verbal connection.
This is particularly true for children with chronic illness, disability, poor
social-skills or who are autistic with Melson & Fine (2019) claiming
benefits to children’s moral, physiological, cognitive, and social development
and Grandin et al., (2019) reporting that such encounters with
animals not only serve the function of a social encounter but fosters
connections with peers. While Crossman & Herzog (2019) advocate
for further quality studies into these benefits, my observations suggest that
these programs successfully position the library as a safe and affirming space.
Partnering with an external provider, Ottaba Llamas, was key to the event’s
success. Library staff managed front-of-house; distributed tickets, briefed
visitors on safe approach, managed lines, and introduced side-along activities
while the handlers ensured the welfare of the animals and managed the
interactions. This partnership allowed librarians to provide expert-level
programming outside their scope while maintaining a safe environment.
Events such as Llamapalooza are valuable in providing free and equitable access
to experiences that "address the patron as a whole" (Coolman et al.,
2020, Lai, 2012). By meeting children in the park and catering to their
sensory, social, and emotional needs, we can build trust that supports
confidence in and access to other library services.
References
Anderson, A., &
Klipper, B. (2021). Library Programming for Autistic Children and Teens.
American Library Association. http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/csuau/detail.action?docID=30416031
City of Moreton Bay
(2025, September 17). We’ve gone llama mad these school holidays! [Status
update].
Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/MoretonBayCouncil/posts/weve-gone-llama-mad-these-school-holidays-from-september-20-to-october-2-llamas-/1213988014100819/
City of Moreton Bay [cityofmoretonbay]. (2025, September 18). We’ve
gone llama-mad these school holidays. Llamas are taking over Moreton Bay
Libraries for Llamapalooza! [Photograph]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/DOuJSh2DG7w/
Coolman, A. A.,
Niedbalski, A., Powell, D. M., Kozlowski, C. P., Franklin, A. D., & Deem,
S. L. (2020). Changes in human health parameters associated with an immersive
exhibit experience at a zoological institution. PLOS ONE, 15(4). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0231383
Crossman, M. K.,
& Herzog, H. (2019). The research challenge: Threats to the validity of
human–animal interaction intervention studies and suggestions for improvement.
In A. H. Fine (Ed.), Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy: Foundations
and Guidelines for Animal-Assisted Interventions (5th ed., pp.
479–485). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-815395-6.00031-6
Fine, A. H., &
Ferrell, J. (2021). Conceptualizing the human–animal bond and animal-assisted
interventions. In J. M. Peralta & A. H. Fine (Eds.), The welfare of
animals in animal-assisted interventions: Foundations and best practice methods (pp.
21–41). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-69587-3_2
Grandin, T., Fine,
A. H., O’Haire, M., Carlisle, G., & Gabriels, R. (2019). The roles of
animals for individuals With autism spectrum disorder. In Fine, Aubrey H.
(Ed.), Handbook on animal-assisted therapy: Foundations and guidelines
for animal-assisted interventions: (5th ed., pp. 285–298). Academic
Press. https://www-sciencedirect-com.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/science/chapter/monograph/pii/B9780128153956000183
Kozikowski, M.
(2018). Dogs and pigs and birds, oh my!: A bevy of animals serve as partners in
literacy. Children & Libraries, 16(2), 3–4.
Lai, P.
(2012). At the intersection of dog and library. Library and
Information Science, Saint Catherine University. https://pylduck.com/ssqd/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/dog.pdf
Melson, G. F.,
& Fine, A. H. (2019). Animals in the Lives of Children. In Handbook
on Animal-Assisted Therapy: Foundations and Guidelines for Animal-Assisted
Interventions (5th ed.). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-815395-6.00016-X
State Library of
Queensland. (2017, May 26). Paro in the Corner. https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/paro-corner
State Library
Queensland. (2017). SLQ staff Mick and Iwona enjoy their Paro encounter
[photograph]. Meet Paro: the digital therapeutic seal.
https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/meet-paro-digital-therapeutic-seal
Young, J.,
Pritchard, R., Nottle, C., & Banwell, H. (2020). Pets, touch, and COVID-19:
Health benefits from non-human touch through times of stress. Journal of
Behavioural Economics for Policy, 4(2), 25–33.
While many library animal programs focus on education or "sitting and listening" before physical interaction, this session prioritised direct engagement. Observing the attendees; families, children, and youth, with the llamas it was clear that the interaction itself was the learning experience. Anderson & Klipper (2021), assert that low-pressure activities allowing for participant-led timing and engagement, builds confidence in autistic children and their parents when accessing the library services.
The activity is also supported by
research indicating that human-to-non-human contact can significantly
bolster mental well-being for individuals experiencing social isolation,
with Melson & Fine (2019) noting benefits to moral, physiological, and
social development (Young et al., 2020). The inclusion of side-along
programming; a touch-based display comparing alpaca, sheep, and llama
wool, and a staff-supported craft activity, similarly accommodated diverse
learning styles and sensory seekers.
.png)
According to Fine & Ferrell (2021), these interactions reduce feelings of social isolation, increase feelings of belonging, and support non-verbal connection. This is particularly true for children with chronic illness, disability, poor social-skills or who are autistic with Melson & Fine (2019) claiming benefits to children’s moral, physiological, cognitive, and social development and Grandin et al., (2019) reporting that such encounters with animals not only serve the function of a social encounter but fosters connections with peers. While Crossman & Herzog (2019) advocate for further quality studies into these benefits, my observations suggest that these programs successfully position the library as a safe and affirming space.
Partnering with an external provider, Ottaba Llamas, was key to the event’s success. Library staff managed front-of-house; distributed tickets, briefed visitors on safe approach, managed lines, and introduced side-along activities while the handlers ensured the welfare of the animals and managed the interactions. This partnership allowed librarians to provide expert-level programming outside their scope while maintaining a safe environment.
Events such as Llamapalooza are valuable in providing free and equitable access
to experiences that "address the patron as a whole" (Coolman et al.,
2020, Lai, 2012). By meeting children in the park and catering to their
sensory, social, and emotional needs, we can build trust that supports
confidence in and access to other library services.
References
Anderson, A., &
Klipper, B. (2021). Library Programming for Autistic Children and Teens.
American Library Association. http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/csuau/detail.action?docID=30416031
City of Moreton Bay
(2025, September 17). We’ve gone llama mad these school holidays! [Status
update].
Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/MoretonBayCouncil/posts/weve-gone-llama-mad-these-school-holidays-from-september-20-to-october-2-llamas-/1213988014100819/
City of Moreton Bay [cityofmoretonbay]. (2025, September 18). We’ve
gone llama-mad these school holidays. Llamas are taking over Moreton Bay
Libraries for Llamapalooza! [Photograph]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/DOuJSh2DG7w/
Coolman, A. A.,
Niedbalski, A., Powell, D. M., Kozlowski, C. P., Franklin, A. D., & Deem,
S. L. (2020). Changes in human health parameters associated with an immersive
exhibit experience at a zoological institution. PLOS ONE, 15(4). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0231383
Crossman, M. K.,
& Herzog, H. (2019). The research challenge: Threats to the validity of
human–animal interaction intervention studies and suggestions for improvement.
In A. H. Fine (Ed.), Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy: Foundations
and Guidelines for Animal-Assisted Interventions (5th ed., pp.
479–485). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-815395-6.00031-6
Fine, A. H., &
Ferrell, J. (2021). Conceptualizing the human–animal bond and animal-assisted
interventions. In J. M. Peralta & A. H. Fine (Eds.), The welfare of
animals in animal-assisted interventions: Foundations and best practice methods (pp.
21–41). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-69587-3_2
Grandin, T., Fine,
A. H., O’Haire, M., Carlisle, G., & Gabriels, R. (2019). The roles of
animals for individuals With autism spectrum disorder. In Fine, Aubrey H.
(Ed.), Handbook on animal-assisted therapy: Foundations and guidelines
for animal-assisted interventions: (5th ed., pp. 285–298). Academic
Press. https://www-sciencedirect-com.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/science/chapter/monograph/pii/B9780128153956000183
Kozikowski, M.
(2018). Dogs and pigs and birds, oh my!: A bevy of animals serve as partners in
literacy. Children & Libraries, 16(2), 3–4.
Lai, P.
(2012). At the intersection of dog and library. Library and
Information Science, Saint Catherine University. https://pylduck.com/ssqd/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/dog.pdf
Melson, G. F.,
& Fine, A. H. (2019). Animals in the Lives of Children. In Handbook
on Animal-Assisted Therapy: Foundations and Guidelines for Animal-Assisted
Interventions (5th ed.). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-815395-6.00016-X
State Library of
Queensland. (2017, May 26). Paro in the Corner. https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/paro-corner
State Library
Queensland. (2017). SLQ staff Mick and Iwona enjoy their Paro encounter
[photograph]. Meet Paro: the digital therapeutic seal.
https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/meet-paro-digital-therapeutic-seal
Young, J.,
Pritchard, R., Nottle, C., & Banwell, H. (2020). Pets, touch, and COVID-19:
Health benefits from non-human touch through times of stress. Journal of
Behavioural Economics for Policy, 4(2), 25–33.
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