The long, hallow wooden instrument produced pounding vibrations. It sent waves of curiosity through the crowd of children as they clapped to Lindsey Allen Dank’s rhythm.

Where did this instrument come from? How does Mr. Dank make it sound like that? And, why does he have that funny hat on?

Before Dank finished his presentation Wednesday at the Bonita Springs Rec Center, all of those questions were answered, but many followed. To find out more the children would have to read.

Dank’s presentation, “Didgeridoo Down Under,” was the final event in the Bonita Springs Public Library’s “Read All About It” summer reading program for ages six and up. His unusual woodwind instrument is called the didgeridoo, a Native Australian instrument made when termites in the, “land down under,” bore through trees creating a hallow trunk.

After opening with a small “didg” show, Dank went on to teach the nearly 170 children and 18 adults about the Australian culture, wildlife and environment. He also taught them to play the didgeridoo and had a jam session where the kids played Australian percussion instruments.

Dank talked to the children about racism and global warming as they relate to Native Australians and the country’s 125-degree high temperatures. At one point, Dank’s brimmed hat served as an example of the ones some Australian schools require their students wear to protect them from the sun’s harmful rays.

Photo by Michel Fortier / Daily News

The Bonita Springs Recreation Center's summer reading program brought in Lindsey Allen Dank of Dragon Fly Rhythms who played half a dozen different didgeridoo instruments, or Yidaki, as called by the native Australians, for a group of children from Bonita Springs. Dank also lectured on the culture and wildlife of Australia in an hour-long presentation which allowed the children to participate in the musical endeavors.

Dank, who has been playing didgeridoos for seven years, said he presents more than 300 times annually. He also makes didgeridoos, holds workshops and performs across the Southeast.

Although he doesn’t get to see his family as often as he would like, Dank still, “loves” what he does. “I believe children are the future leaders,” said Dank, who hopes they will, “stand up and make a difference.”

Fort Myers resident Brooke Hirsch, 10, said she learned about the dangers of judging others by their color, as the Native Australians were. She said judging people, “just hurts their feelings and it’ll hurt your feelings to, because ... you’ll have one less best friend.”

Taylor Barrett, 11, said she learned about, “kangaroos and koalas,” and their unique pouches. The Fort Myers resident has been reading, “all kinds” of books this summer, both fiction and non-fiction.

Lee County Library System spokesperson Heather O’Connell said the event was one of several held throughout the summer for the system’s three reading programs. There is also a program for toddlers and preschoolers known as, “Read-To-Me,” and one for teens known as, “Fit For Life,” which had several physical activity-themed events.

Events for “Read All About It” included magic shows, puppet shows, arts and crafts workshops, and animal encounters.

Children enter the reading programs by visiting their library branch and signing up. They receive a bag with give-aways and a log to keep track of their reading. Depending on their age, they may be entered in a weekly raffle drawing for more prizes or given a chance to choose from a prize bucket.

O’Connell said those who participate in the reading programs can read whatever they want, but books are often suggested in different ways.

“If kids are coming to the events they’ll see books about songs, books about storytelling,” she said.

And as the sounds from the didgeridoo proved, the kids will have their curiosity, and their motivation to read, piqued.