The Round Rock Public Library is slated to bid farewell to Rocksssanne, their resident ball python who has been a beloved part of the community for a quarter century. Adopted back in 2000 when she was approximately three years old, Rocksssanne has since become an integral feature of children's programming, including storytimes and visits to local schools. Her name, as a product of a city-wide children's contest, settled on the delightful yet quirky "Miss Rocksssanne NoFeet," according to KXAN.
Now, after 25 years of service, the library has decided to throw a series of celebratory events to honor Rocksssanne's impact before she transitions into retirement on March 1. On January 27, the Rockin' Kids Club will host Rocksssanne's Crafty Birthday Party, followed by a special Puppet Show titled "Snake's Surprise!" from February 24-26. The festivities culminate in a Bubbles & Music Retirement Party slated for March 1. This series of events not only serves to celebrate Rocksssanne's lengthy career but also to recognize her role in educating both children and adults about nature and the role of patience and curiosity within it, as FOX7 Austin reported.
Defying expectations, Rocksssanne will turn 28 in January, which is significantly older than the average lifespan for ball pythons kept as pets. "Rocksssanne has been a fixture of our library, teaching kids and adults alike about patience, curiosity and the beauty of the natural world," Youth Services Manager Theresa Faris told KXAN. Her retirement will offer her a calm, private space to rest, away from the gaze of library visitors, under the continued care of the library staff.
Post-retirement, the future of Rocksssanne's viewing window will become to transform into an interactive aquarium feature showcasing fish native to Brushy Creek. The project is a collaborative effort between the library, The Aquarium Company, Living Waters Fly Fishing, and Texas Parks and Wildlife, aiming to continue the educational legacy of Rocksssanne while introducing a new ecological element to library patrons, as outlined by FOX7 Austin. The transition is expected to be complete by spring, offering a new window into the natural world of Round Rock.
