Between the non-fiction books and encyclopedias in Clarke County Library today were dozens of....snakes.

Today Rom Cromer presented, Snakes Alive! in Berryville and the Handley Library in Winchester. The program gives insight on venomous and non-threatening snakes, as well as their lives, habitats, and characteristics. About two dozen snakes and lizards were taken out of their displays for kids and adults to get close and personal with these live native reptiles.

Cynthia Fairbanks/Snakes Alive! Python Holder: "You need to be careful with snakes that you don't know about that might have poison in them or might not, they might be venemous."

The main attraction was Penelope, a "pet python" Ron has raised since 1973 and weighs nearly 200 pounds. Snakes alive concludes its local tour at Bowman Library in Stephens City Tuesday at 11 AM and 2 PM.