ORANGE – Ninety-eight children and adults stopped by Moore-Leland Library last week to interact with some animals they’re unlikely to encounter on an average day.

April Violette, the children’s librarian for Orange Public Libraries, contacted the Dudley-based company Records and Burpee to organize a petting zoo after the family business was recommended by a fellow librarian in a different town.

“So I reached out because I wanted to do some kind of event during the kids’ April break,” Violette said as people young and old engaged the creatures.

Area resident Linda Cole showed up with her granddaughter, Eva, to admire the animals.

“[She] called me and said, ‘Will you give me a ride?’” the elder Cole said with a laugh. “She’s liking it. She loves the animals.”

Eva Cole said her favorites were the 1½-week-old goat and the macaw parrots. The company also brought a sulcata tortoise, four-horned sheep, adult goats and alpacas.

Violette said the Friends of Orange Public Libraries paid the $600 to have Records and Burpee on site from 3:30 to 5 p.m. She said the children’s enthusiasm is what she was hoping for.

“They seem to be having a great time,” she said.

Company co-owner Alexandra “Lee” Burpee started the business with husband Lawrence Records in 1987. Today, they operate a 28-acre farm with their two sons. Burpee said the family holds 15 to 18 small shows and many fairs each year.

“We’re doing a lot of libraries now. More libraries than schools, really,” she said. “And there’s so few places where people come into contact with animals. That’s what I really like about it.”

Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-930-4120.