Michael Rayner Entertains Youth Summer Reading Group

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.