While some libraries host a therapy dog or offer the PAWS for Reading program where children may read to a canine friend, Moores Memorial Library in Christiana is now offering children a chance to read to rabbit named Bunny Bear.

Bunny Bear visits the library along with her owner, 17-year-old Hannah Williams, on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month from 4:30 to 5 p.m. Children may stop in to read to the bunny and ask Hannah questions about the rabbit's care.

"They can read to her, hold her, pet her or just look at her," said Hannah, who brings treats for the children to feed the bunny while she is at the library. "They can give her carrots and little peppermint treats and cucumbers."

Library director Trish Vandenbosch explained that Bunny Bear's visits came about while she was looking for a replacement for Murphy, the library's former reading companion, who had passed away.

"I was talking to Hannah's mom, (Michelle), about wanting to have a library animal that kids could visit and learn about," Vandenbosch said. "Michelle said Hannah had a rabbit, a goat and chickens and (asked if) one of them (would) work. It is part of Hannah's homeschooling program to bring in her bunny and interact with the kids. We miss Murphy and are so glad to have Bunny Bear here."

Hannah said the dwarf bunny, which is 4 months old, enjoys eating bunny food, along with apples and carrots. Bunny Bear lives outdoors, but she does spend time with the family.

"She has her own little pen outside and she has her food and water bowl," Hannah noted. "We take her in a few times a week and let her sit on the couch with us and we sit with her and play with her."

Hannah noted that the bunny has only visited the library a few times but is already becoming popular with the young patrons.

Moores Memorial Library is located at 9 W. Slokom Ave., Christiana. For more information about library activities, visit http://www.christianalibrary.org or search or "Moores Memorial Library" on Facebook.