Meet Tortellini, Lubbock��s Library Tortoise

Lubbock may not be the coolest place to live, but how many cities can say their public library has an adorable tortoise named Tortellini? We've got a local celebrity with a shell.

About Tortellini

Tortellini is a 4-year-old Hermann's tortoise who resides in the Children's Department at Maohn Library, and he's become a cherished member of the Lubbock Public Library family. He moved into the library when he was about a year old and has apparently spent the last couple of years perfecting the personality of a retired Army vet who is deeply disappointed in everyone. Despite being young for a tortoise, Tortellini reportedly acts just like a grumpy old man. In 2026, can you really blame him?

Totally relatable.

The Tortoise Team

Tortellini has his very own Tortoise Team. Behind every little library celebrity is a dedicated team of staff members who feed him, clean his terrarium, give him baths, take him on walks, and provide various other enrichment activities and adventures for him.

What Does He Eat?

His regular diet includes a variety of lettuce and cucumbers, with the occasional strawberry for a sweet treat. Frankly, I'd say that's a better meal plan than whatever most of us are doing. Lately, mine has included far too many Allsups burritos...

Lucky For Us, He'll Be Around A Long Time

Tortellini is expected to live between 30 and 70 years. He will eventually grow to the size of a soccer ball, so there's a decent chance he will outlast several library card renewals, a few furniture upgrades, and at least one generation of kids who stop by to visit him.

I MUST Meet Tortellini!!!

Want to meet Lubbock's cutest celebrity in the shell? Drop by the Children's Department at Mahon Library during regular business hours. Please be respectful when visiting Tortellini. He's a distinguished gentleman with a busy schedule of munching greens and judging the general public.