When the Indian Valley Public Library launched its award-winning “Truck Petting Zoo” in 2006, Moyer Indoor Outdoor’s vehicles were in the convoy of big rigs, tankers, emergency vehicles and construction equipment that drew little boys (and girls!) to the library on Church Avenue in Telford.

Moyer has participated enthusiastically in the special event each year since. Moyer was justifiably proud when the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania included Indian Valley Library and its Truck Petting Zoo in this year’s recognition of community libraries that have created innovative yet practical approaches to early learning programming.

At a time when funding for public libraries is shrinking, the need for the services they offer is growing. Only with the library staffs’ creativity and dedication—and the collaboration and support from individuals and businesses in our communities—can the needs be met.

The 2006 Truck Petting Zoo was the invention of children’s library assistant Lindy Janson. She was looking for ways to make boys feel that the library is a comfortable place for them to explore and learn. With the help of local companies and organizations in the community, she arranged for a collection of different “working trucks”—tractor trailers, tankers, emergency vehicles and construction equipment of all kinds—to visit the library parking lot. Once they were safely parked and the lot closed to traffic, families could swarm over the big rigs, meet the drivers and emergency personnel, and ask questions to their hearts’ content. It was the ideal hands-on learning event.

According to Linda Beck, director, more than 350 people attended the 4th Annual Indian Valley Library Truck Petting Zoo this April. Not surprisingly, the truck books flew from the library display tables.

And you can be sure Moyer’s trucks will be back next year to help dazzle and delight a new crop of youngsters.

From L: Sara Figueroa, Scott Yerger, Linda Beck, Linday Johnson