Contributed photo Herpetologist Ron Cromer will be at the Scotland Memorial Library today.

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Though library books are an everyday source of information and stories, today the facts and fictions of reptiles will be brought to life through two “Snakes Alive” sessions at Scotland Memorial Library.

At 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., herpetologist Ron Cromer will conduct sessions designed to give children a crash course in the lives, habits, and characteristics of reptiles, particularly snakes. Though there is a lecture portion to “Snakes Alive,” the sessions will include over 20 live reptiles, including specially tamed snakes for petting.

“Snakes Alive” has been held at the library annually for over 15 years, and is popular with children of all ages as well as adults.

“Ron is so good because he stresses safety and respect, not fear,” said Scotland Memorial Library youth services director Denise Dunn. “Everybody gets a big kick out of it and we have people that return year after year.”

The program also includes a giant Southeast Asian python named Rosie that groups of participants can take turns holding.

Children’s programming will continue throughout the summer, with morning story time every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. through the end of July. Morning story time will not be held on June 25 or July 2.

On Tuesday, the Asheville-based Bright Star Touring Theatre will put on two plays at the library, one at 10:30 a.m. entitled “Grease Lightning,” exploring myths and legends, and another with an anti-bullying message at 2 p.m.

“They’re cute and they’re very interactive with the audience,” Dunn said.

Younger children aged four to 11 can also get in touch with their artistic side during “Learn to Draw” sessions at 3 p.m. every Tuesday through Aug. 13.

“They’re going to start out with shapes and see how many things you can make with shapes,” said Dunn. “We had our first lesson and we had grandmothers in there drawing with the kids.”

Eco Crafts classes are held year-round every Thursday at 4 p.m. except July 4. During each class, children will learn to make a new craft out of household materials like paper towel rolls and Styrofoam in order to find a use for non-recyclable materials.

In a program for children aged 10-13, CSI Detective Victor Torres of the Laurinburg Police Department will present a crime scene program at 2 p.m. on July 17.

“He will train the ‘tweens’ on crime scene techniques and then allow them the opportunity to use this newly acquired information,” said Dunn. “We are calling it ‘The Case of the Overdue Book.’”

All library programs are free of charge and no pre-registration is needed.

QB Ratliffe receives UNC offer

LAURINBURG — Jaylend Ratliffe has received a scholarship offer from UNC. Ratliffe was named the Southeastern conference 4A offensive player of the year last season for his performance at quarterback and will be a junior this upcoming season.

Last year he threw for 1,466 yards and 15 touchdowns as the Scots went 12-2.

Scotland coach Richard Bailey said this is the second offer Ratliffe has received so far. The other is from Wofford.

“UNC offered it to him as an athlete right now to keep his options open at the collegiate level,” Bailey said. “He’s excited and he was a UNC fan growing up. He’s going to take time and figure out what’s best for him. It’s always exciting to receive an ACC offer.”

NASCAR driver in NC turns himself in on charges

SHELBY, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR driver Mike Harmon has turned himself in to authorities in North Carolina after warrants were issued for him and a business partner.

Sheriff’s deputies in Rowan County say warrants were issued for Harmon and the business partner on Monday. Authorities say the men are charged with breaking and entering and larceny after breaking and entering.

Investigators say the men allegedly stole at least seven vehicles from NASCAR’s truck racer Jennifer Jo Cobb last year. Harmon once was the team manager for Cobb’s Nationwide racing team.

The charges are a result of search warrants executed at a storage shed at a North Carolina location and at Harmon’s shop in Mooresville on May 28.

Harmon surrendered in Shelby on Monday afternoon. It was not clear if he has an attorney.

Wolfpack adds Alabama transfer Lacey to program

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina State has added Alabama transfer Trevor Lacey.

Lacey will sit out this season and have two years of eligibility. In a statement from the school Tuesday, coach Mark Gottfried said Lacey “is a winner and really understands the game.”

The 6-foot-3 guard started 52 of 69 games over two seasons. Last year, he averaged 11.3 points and 3.8 rebounds while starting all 36 games. He also led the team with 62 3-pointers.

Lacey was a five-star prospect and Parade All-American when he chose the home-state Crimson Tide after being recruited by Kentucky, Kansas and Connecticut, among others. In April, Alabama coach Anthony Grant had called Lacey’s decision to leave “a family decision to pursue other opportunities.”

Gottfried was Grant’s predecessor at Alabama, coaching there from 1998-2009.

Yankees’ Youkilis needs surgery, Teixeira to DL

NEW YORK (AP) — Kevin Youkilis needs back surgery and Mark Teixeira has returned to the 15-day disabled list with an aching right wrist, the latest injury setbacks for the depleted New York Yankees.

The team made the announcements Tuesday before playing the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Youkilis will miss at least 10-12 weeks after he has surgery in California on Thursday. He had gone back on the DL last Friday.

Teixeira missed the first 53 games of the season because of a wrist injury. The switch-hitting first baseman got off to an encouraging start when he returned but has slumped to a .151 average with three home runs and 12 RBIs in 53 at-bats.

He left the team during its recent West Coast trip, went back to New York and received a cortisone shot Sunday.