In an unorthodox move, Tacoma Public Library plans to replace staff with guinea pigs in early 2018. Guinea pigs, a species of the rodent family, live in small groups in the wild and are known to be team players. Because grass is their main source of food, it is believed that most library books will go unharmed.
Clean and social animals, guinea pigs are excellent communicators and will be available for book checkout, reference, and petting during library hours. Petting animals has been scientifically proven to have health benefits including lowering blood pressure and releasing stress-reducing hormones. Translators fluent in guinea pig will be available onsite during the transition.
This planned staffing change will save thousands of dollars which will be put towards the development of a cheese library in 2019.
Happy April Fool’s Day!
