There is a more extensive Freep article on this, but it is paywalled, although I was able to read it on my iPhone. The below link covers the basics.
As I was reading the article my first thought was what a great example of how and why a public library is such an important institution. In this case the library took the loss of its building (and its reptilian ambassador) and turned it into a community experience. My second thought was it figures, because that's exactly what public libraries do under all circumstances, whether happy or otherwise.
Hats off to Colleen and Ogemaw District Library.
Jim