Library lizard a celebrity at Chartiers Valley Primary School
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An unexpected four-legged reptile has won the hearts of students at Chartiers Valley Primary School.
Librarian Becky Forkner’s family pet, a 1-year-old bearded dragon affectionately known as “Library Lizzie,” has improved students’ behavior, taught youngsters social skills and empathy and gets them excited about school, she said.
“She contributes to the overall culture of the whole school,” Forkner said. “She’s been a bit of a celebrity.”
Forkner, of Scott Township, got Lizzie in May 2023 and was only going to bring the animal to school for one day to meet the students.
That since has turned into an everyday occurrence.
“We grew to love her,” Forkner said. “It kind of just happened.
A schoolwide party was held in May to celebrate Lizzie’s first birthday. A bulletin board of teachers’ photos in the hallway also includes pictures of Lizzie.
As a reward system, students who demonstrate good behavior earn the ability to spend time with the reptile.
Forkner bought a bigger tank for Lizzie to hang out in while she’s at school. The librarian and her daughter, Kate, a second grader, transport the lizard to and from school each day.
Kate said she enjoys dressing Lizzie. One particular costume dresses Lizzie as a frog — which is really just a fuzzy, green, frog-themed hair scrunchie.
“Everybody gets to see Lizzie,” said first grader Jack Hnat. “It’s just amazing.”
Lizzie doesn’t bite and is “extremely tolerant,” Forkner said. Students are gentle with and accepting of the animal.
Forkner explained that to some students, a library can be a big, intimidating space. Lizzie is able to make that transition easier for students, she said.
Lizzie also gets students excited about learning. Student Travis Moran said that interacting with Lizzie has him looking forward to learning more about bearded dragons and other reptiles.
“Half the battle is getting kids excited to come to school, and this gets them excited to come to school,” Forkner said.
She said future ideas with Lizzie might include the creation of a social media page, where Lizzie can “post” book recommendations, and other schoolwide reading activities.
“She’s something different,” Forkner said. “Kids seem to automatically love animals and she’s created this nurturing environment, and they feel they can come here, pet her and talk to her.
“She helps make a safe space in here.”