Experience KDL: “Peep Show” at Krause Memorial Library in Rockford

By Jake and Shannon, Adult and Youth Branch Librarians at Krause Memorial Library 

If you’ve ever stopped in at Krause Memorial Library you’ve probably noticed our display case. Every season it features unique hobbies, crafts, and collections that are sure to catch your eye and pique your interest. We’ve had Hats through the Ages, Baby One More Time (featuring a variety of vintage baby clothes), and even a display from the West Michigan Buttoneers featuring, you guessed it, buttons!

One of our favorite things about our display case is that not only do staff members come up with fun and creative things to display, but community groups and members join in on the fun as well. This season’s display was put together by one of our regular patrons who generously loaned us her wonderful collection so that library users of all ages could enjoy our festive display.

Our Spring display features a collection of bunnies and rabbits...maybe some hares too. We don’t really know the difference, we’re librarians, not zoologists! While ceramic rabbits dominate the collection, a closer look will reveal rabbits of metal and wood, with a few other springtime creatures sprinkled throughout.

But the real showstopper is the "Peep Show" section. Here, the beloved marshmallow Peeps candies are posed in an imaginative scene. Surrounded by green ribbon and colorful toys, the candies come to life and appear to be enjoying a lovely spring day. With several peep holes located on the bottom of the display case, children may have an easier time viewing the fun and tasty antics of the Peeps, though we’ve noticed a fair share of grown-ups getting on their hands and knees to sneak a peek as well! Afterall, who doesn’t enjoy toys, bunnies, and candy?

And since we are librarians after all, we did a little research on the difference between bunnies, hares, and rabbits. According to Merriam-Webster, rabbits and hares belong to the scientific family Leporidae. And bunnies are in fact, an affectionate term for rabbits, especially little, bitty, cute ones.

So, have a “hoppy” Spring, every “bunny”!