April 2011
Phone: 260-463-4901 • Fax 888-439-6528 • The Hometown Treasure
SPOTLIGHT ON NATURE — continued from previous page
through the skin. The highly permeable skin of the
earthworm makes it susceptible to drying out easily.
The digestive tract of the earthworm is one of its
unique features, being highly adapted according to its
activities of burrowing and feeding. The earthworm
ingests soil, along with decomposing organic matter
in it, which are mixed by powerful muscles and passed
through its digestive tract. In the digestive tract,
digestive fluids that contain enzymes are released,
which are mixed with the oil mixture that has been
ingested. The digestive fluids help in releasing sugars,
amino acids, as well as smaller sized organic molecules.
These molecules are then absorbed via the membranes
of the intestines, which are used for energy and the
synthesis of cells.
The Reproductive System of the Earthworm
Earthworms are hermaphroditic, similar to slugs
and snails, having both female and male reproductive
parts in its body. Usually, they do not self-mate. Two
earthworms mate, and during the mating they exchange
sperm mutually. The egg cells, mature sperm, and
nutritive fluid are placed in cocoons, which are made
by the clitellum, which is a structure like a girdle that is
located at the anterior portion of its body. The sperm
then fertilize the eggs inside the cocoon, which then
is shed by the earthworm, being deposited either on
or in the soil. After about three weeks, the eggs begin
hatching, with about 2-20 earthworms being produced
by each cocoon, the average being four.
Good day everyone and enjoy the great weather,
whether it’s with the worms or not!
LaGrange County Library
LaGrange-Main Branch
Temporarily in the old Jayco
Building on SR 9 North
Winter Hours (Labor-Memorial Day)
Monday - Thursday 9:00 - 8:00
Friday & Saturday 9:00 - 5:00
Phone: 260-463-2841
Topeka Branch
133 North Main Street
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday,
Friday 11:30 - 6:00
Wednesday, Saturday 8:30 - 3:00
Phone: 260-593-3030
Shipshewana Branch
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday,
Friday 11:30 - 6:00
Wednesday, Saturday 8:30 - 3:00
Phone: 260-768-7444
Prickly's Story Time
Book Buddies
Join Prickley the hedgehog and librarian, Janice Bruce, for
story times each week at the Topeka Branch Library.
This month's featured book is, Two Little Trains. Parents
will also explore ways to stimulate their child's curiosity for
discovery and exploration. Please call the Topeka Branch
Library to register.
Topeka Branch Library
All Story Times are Wednesdays at 10:00 am
April 13 • April 20 • April 27
Stories & Puppets
Visit the library after hours for a story, some puppet fun,
and more!
Shipshewana Branch Library
Thursday, April 14 • 6:00 pm
Topeka Branch Library
Topeka Branch Library
Wednesday, April 6 • 10:00 am
Family Movie Night
Free movie! Free popcorn! Fun for the whole family!
Topeka Branch Library
Friday, April 1 • 6:00 pm
Thursday, April 28 • 6:00 pm
Page 54
Motorcoach Tour
The library is sponsoring a one-day motorcoach trip to
Chicago's famous ethnic neighborhoods for food-tasting
and fun! We'll visit: Pilsen and Little Village, with food
tasting at a Mexican panaderia; Chinatown, for a familystyle lunch and a little shopping; Old Town, with stops at
a family-owned chocolate shop, a gourmet vinegar & oil
shop, and a spice store that's out of this world; Little Italy,
for dessert at an Italian restaurant.
Details and reservation forms available at all three library
branches. Reservations required by Thursday, June 16!
LaGrange Public Library (Depart & Return)
Saturday, July 16 • 6:00 pm
Second Saturday Book Club
Come join us! This club is open to any adult (16+) who
wishes to come. This month we'll be discussing:
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of
a good fortunate, must be in want of a wife...
Emma Cafe
(600 W & 200 S, south of Westview High School)
Saturday, April 9 • 11 am - Noon
Bookmobile
If you live in LaGrange County and you'd like the
bookmobile to stop in your neighborhood this summer,
please call 260-463-2841 x1040.