FPS staff report
July 8, 2008

CHAMPION. Kobe Green (in front) is shown with his trophy and prize he was awarded for winning the annual Worm Off at the Carroll Couny Library.  Pictured with him is Marcia Schaffer (left), children’s librarian and ‘Worm Whisperer’  and Keaza Green.

The big winner of the annual Worm Off held at the Carroll County District Library was 3-year old Kobe Green with his super worm Speedy! 

This was Kobe’s first year as a worm racer and he raced twice to get to the finals. Robert Antill, library director, was the official Worm Off judge. 

A total of 132 racers competed this year with all types of worms from speedy fast red worms to big sluggish nightcrawlers. Green’s worm was a night crawler with a time of 1:03! 

There were faster heats through out the week. One worm, trained by Seth Taggert, finished in 39 seconds.  Librarian Marcia Schaffer said, “I don’t think that’s a record, but it’s pretty darn fast- the fastest this week!  Whew!  Unfortunately, when Seth brought his worm back for the Big Worm Off, the worm fell asleep on the track.  I guess he had too much excitement, with all the interviews on national T.V. and everything!”

The Worm-Off is an annual part of the summer reading program held each June and July at the library.  Green is the son of Brandon and Krissy Green of Carrollton.

A huge turnout of over 95 people attended lunch at the library during the summer reading program.

 Summer reading participants can hear entertainment  provided by Rythym Road with Mary Jo beginning at 1 p.m. July 11. She plays auto harp, hammer dulcimer and several other instruments.  She competed nationally June 27.

For questions, contact the library at 330-627-2613.