by Breeanna Jent, Staff Writer & on 2013-07-26
Kids got a laugh and some juggling practice during the July 8 teen group performance event as part of A.K. Smiley Library’s Youth Summer Reading Group, when physical comedian Michael Rayner entertained a group of teens and their parents.
The performance was the first teen performance in the summer series, which will end in mid-August before school starts again, shared Youth Services Librarian Pamela Bunch, who heads the program.
“We’ve never had the teen performances, and since we had a lot of teens in the reading game last year, I thought it would be a nice addition for them,” said Bunch.
Rayner performed various juggling and balancing acts as part of his performance, and with jokes here and there, he kept the audience laughing. During a juggling contest he led with a group of the teens, one even won $5 directly out of Rayner’s pocket.
The reading program is one that has been implemented by the library in the past, and “the goal is to keep [kids] reading,” said Bunch. The summer reading programs are open to kids of all ages, and involve reading games and performances.
This year the program is themed “Reading Is So Delicious.” To win a prize each week, participants are given a “menu” from which they must complete a certain number of tasks each week—kids must complete six and teens must complete three—to win a prize.
This summer, kids have enjoyed performances of musical storytelling, a science show, blues music, and balloon art, with a magic show coming up.
All kids’ performances take place at 10:30 a.m. each Tuesday morning through August 13 at The Contemporary Club located at 125 West Vine St. in Redlands.
The final performance for the teen group will be presented by the Wildlife Company, where a workshop will be held and live animals will be displayed. The final show will take place Tuesday, August 12 at 7 p.m., at the Contemporary Club.
All are welcome to the event.
Further questions may be directed to the A.K. Smiley Library at 909-798-7674.
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Comedian & Unicyclist Show
Date: Monday, July 08, 2013
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Event Location: The Contemporary Club
Address: 125 W. Vine Street Redlands CA 92373
Description: Free performance a part of the A.K. Smiley Library’s Summer Reading Program for children ages 13 and up.
CONTACT INFO
Phone: 909-798-7674
Website: www.akspl.org/kids/
Colby’s draft 1:
On Monday, July 8, the Smiley Public Library held one of their first Youth Summer Reading Group events of the year. Invited to perform for the youth was physical comedian Michael Rayner. With the youth gathered in the library’s assembly room, Michael performed energetic balancing acts mixed with hyperactive comedy, entertaining the kids while also occasionally directly involving them.
The program is headed by Pamela Bunch, the youth services librarian. She has been advertising the free events through Facebook and by word of mouth.
“The attendance is really good so far,” she noted of the crowded room. She hopes the group will give children and teens someplace cool and fun to hang out this summer. “Everyone is invited, we have a lot coming up.”
For more information on the program, and upcoming events, information can be found on the new Facebook page or from the library itself. For teens and younger children, the group can serve as a nice escape from summertime boredom and heat.