Scatena read Mercer Mayer’s There’s an Alligator Under My Bed to Wally, a 5-foot-plus female alligator, while hundreds of children looked on. Wally was handled by reptile trainer Erik Callendar. Callendar also taught the kids about how alligators live in the wild.

According to Queens Library, Scatena has a long history of motivating her young readers with wild challenges. She annually promises that if they meet their summer reading goals, she will perform an over-the-top stunt. Previous challenges have had her sitting in a tub of jello, dressing in a rabbit suit and kissing a bunny, and cuddling an enormous python.

Tens of thousands of children participate in Queens Library’s summer reading programs borough-wide.

The new Teen Center, which will also house books, reference materials, and school work resources, is being built in the lower level of the library. Councilman Comrie allocated $1.342 million toward the project, which will create expanded areas for adults and children on the main level as the teens move downstairs, effectively enlarging the library area by 44 percent. The Teen Center will also have a separate entrance, so it can also be used as a youth community space during non-library hours.

“Queens Libraries remain a critical part of our communities, and I am grateful to have been able to allocate funds to make this expansion possible,” Comrie said.

Local teens Shalleca Broadbelt, Miguel Rodriguez, Shanea Moulta, and Philipia McNabwill presented Comrie with a Proclamation thanking him for funding the center.

“Queens Library joins the young adults of this community in thanking Council Member Comrie for his foresight and commitment to public libraries and teens,” added Galante. “With his support, the library will be the coolest place in Cambria Heights and we couldn’t be happier.”