Farewell, friendly noodle! After more than two decades of captivating visitors of all ages, Rocksssanne, the Round Rock Public Library’s beloved ball python, is preparing for retirement.

Rocksssanne, a female ball python, has been a fixture of the library since she was adopted in Jan. 20, 2000, when she was estimated to be 3 years old. At that time, when Round Rock’s population was approximately half of what it is today, children across Round Rock submitted ideas for a contest to name her, with “Miss Rocksssanne NoFeet” chosen as the winner. Over the years, she has captivated young readers during storytimes, inspired art installations and made appearances at local schools.

This January, as she turns 28 years old—well into the upper range of a ball python’s lifespan—the library will honor her 25 years of service with weeks of festivities leading up to her well-deserved retirement on March 1.

“Rocksssanne has been a fixture of our library, teaching kids and adults alike about patience, curiosity and the beauty of the natural world,” said Youth Services Manager Theresa Faris. “She’s earned some peace and quiet in her golden years, and we’re thrilled to celebrate her extraordinary legacy.”

Join the celebration

The Round Rock Public Library invites the community to join the celebration of Rocksssanne’s long career at the library.

The library is creating an online gallery of photos, messages, and memories. Contribute the ways Rocksssanne’s service impacted you at roundrocktexas.gov/librarysnake, and browse the gallery to enjoy contributions from other community members.

You may also bring physical art, photos, messages, and memories to the 2nd Floor Reference Desk. We’ll add them to a display by her window and add them to the online gallery.

While you’re on the 2nd Floor, enjoy a scavenger hunt featuring Rocksssanne’s retirement goals. When you complete the hunt, you may select a special ball python sticker or temporary tattoo.

And there will be community art project featuring painted rocks for Rocksssanne coming soon to the 1st Floor window display.

Youth Services also hosts several weeks of special activities throughout January and February 2025, leading up to a retirement celebration. See the library’s online calendar for more details.

Post-retirement plans

Post-retirement, Rocksssanne will enjoy a quiet life under the care of staff in a calm, private space—away from the noise and excitement of public life.

Library staff expect to transition Rocksssanne’s viewing window to an aquarium featuring an educational exhibit of fish native to Brushy Creek in partnership with The Aquarium Company, Living Waters Fly Fishing and Texas Parks and Wildlife.

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