Snoopy the Rabbit is known by the younger crowd for bringing magic to local libraries across the Granite State. On Thursday, Snoopy visited the Peterborough Town Library to read and plant seeds with the kids.
Children plant their new rabbit food while Snoopy visits each table. Credit: KIERA MCLAUGHLIN / Ledger-Transcript 
Snoopy the Rabbit hops around looking for fresh greens while the children pet him. Credit: KIERA MCLAUGHLIN / Ledger-Transcript 
Claudia Derry holds Snoopy so the younger kids can pet him. Credit: KIERA MCLAUGHLIN / Ledger-Transcript
Claudia Derry has been a teacher for decades, but after retiring three years ago from teaching in Harrisville, she started a learning program featuring her beloved rabbit.
“I realized that when I do these programs, it’s so much like being in a classroom that I have all the skills that I developed as a teacher, and it gives me a chance to keep being creative, too,” she said.
Snoopy started as a classroom pet at only a few months old and has loved the spotlight ever since.
Before deciding to get a rabbit, Derry required her students to do intensive research into what pet would be best for their class. She said she had never even thought of having a rabbit.
Soon, the kids found a Mini Rex rabbit, which is hypoallergenic and perfect for the classroom.
Snoopy may be hypoallergenic, but he is far from mini.
“The funny thing is, Snoopy is not a Mini Rex,” Derry clarified.
Derry has hosted Snoopy the Rabbit learning programs for about three years now, and they have evolved.
This year, she said the theme was based on summer reading. At the Peterborough Town Library, the kids enjoyed a read-aloud book, feeding and petting Snoopy, and planting their very own rabbit food.
In other programs, Derry has focused on literacy by having the kids write stories about Snoopy and his adventures or having the kids read to Snoopy themselves.
“It’s a wonderful thing because the kids feel like they’re safe and they’re not being judged,” she said.
Derry has also noticed that even the most rambunctious kids are respectful to Snoopy’s needs. She simply requests the children keep their voices down and pet him gently.
“Snoopy is just like magic. The kids love him and the older crowd loves him, and he’s so sweet,” she said.
The original Snoopy the Rabbit program started at Jaffrey Public Library, and when word spread, she started working with other local libraries.
Last year, the Jaffrey Public Library hired her part-time to organize Snoopy reading events, but eventually, the traveling act became full-time when the library hired a children’s librarian.
She said she feels grateful for the experience to develop projects and find stories that fit with a host of different ages.
Most of the programs are for younger groups, but she also works with an adult program in Jaffrey.
“It’s taken me in a different direction, but I loved working in the libraries, visiting different libraries and bringing Snoopy magic around to lots of different people,” Derry said.
Interested in Snoopy visiting your library or organization? Reach out to Claudia Derry at info@snoopytherabbit.com.