June 25, 2013

Returning to the Central Coast July 10-11!

I'm excited to be returning to SLO County in July to share some all-ages (that means it's for adults, too!) silliness at libraries in San Luis Obispo, Atascadero & Paso Robles.  If you know anyone in the area, please pass it on!




SF Bay Area Storyteller Brings All-Ages Laughter

San Francisco Bay Area Storyteller John Weaver returns to local libraries July 10-11, with tale-spinning stops in San Luis Obispo, Atascadero and Paso Robles.

Storyteller John Weaver, usually known for spreading silliness during his all-ages performances throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and well beyond, will be sharing bilingual tales of Juan Bobo, the Puerto Rican folktale character who never gets things quite right.

Storyteller John Weaver is a parent, performer and Early Childhood Educator who shares his traditional oral storytelling at schools, libraries, zoos and other family attractions.  Weaver’s energetic, humor-filled performances aim to capture the attention of all ages, and encourage families to continue the adventure at home by reading together.  Weaver’s last storytelling visit to the Central Coast took place in October.

All of the library programs are free.  Families are encouraged to check in with the event locations for information.

Wednesday, July 10
10:30am San Luis Obispo Library, 995 Palm Street

Thursday, July 11
11am Atascadero Library at Colony Park Community Center, 5599 Traffic Way
1pm  Paso Robles City Library, 1000 Spring Street
3pm Paso Robles Library Study Center, 3600 Oak Street #101






June 11, 2013

Summer Reading is here at the Menlo Park Library!

Wherever you are, I hope you get into the Summer Reading fun!  Adults don't have to miss out--there are games & prizes for you, and setting a reading example for your kids is vital!  Summer Reading at the Menlo Park Library began June 10, and I think it's the BEST Summer Reading Program I've ever seen!  Check it out.



Yes, there's a teen game, too!  Get more details, and sign up online, at the Menlo Park Library website.

Where are you signing up for Summer Reading, and what do you love about your library's program?  Let me know!

June 10, 2013

How About a SLEEPOVER AT CHILDREN'S FAIRYLAND!

I'll be there the evening of Saturday, July 27, performing a few stories between all of the rides, puppet shows, dinner & after-hours fun!  Get some friends & family together, & book early.  Hope to see you there!


I'll be there on July 27!  Sleepover at Children's Fairyland is always a fun event.














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June 02, 2013

This Summer at Your Library: Dig in to Reading!


Summer Reading Programs: “Reading is So Delicious!”

     When school is out, reading is in, with library calendars that are packed with FREE shows, storytimes, crafts and prizes!  Each library is a little different (or a LOT different), but look and you will find games for pre-readers, school-aged kids, teens, and even adults.  There are some not-to-be missed shows taking place: guest storytellers, puppet shows, cultural arts programs, animal presentations, music & magic—usually all coming your way thanks to the Friends of the Library (PLEASE become a member; it’s cheap, and the Friends are any library’s lifeblood)!

This is a good time of year to gather up the event calendars of every library system within your personal stomping grounds!  Here’s a website that can connect residents of the SF Bay Area with many of the libraries in the region: http://www.sccl.org/research/best-of-the-web/other-local-libraries

 As for the library systems where I have the pleasure of booking the special events, the Menlo Park Library and the Livermore Public Library, there is a big summer ahead, and you will definitely want to pick up or download the event calendars (available online NOW)!  At both libraries, the majority of special shows will take place on Wednesday mornings (as event host in Livermore, that means I have to miss all the exciting shows I booked for Menlo Park--BOO!).  There will be a full slate of puppet shows, animal presentations, storytellers, magic, interactive music & more--most designed to address California State Educational Standards, as well as being entertaining for all ages!  Again, I thank the Friends of the Library, without which this enriching entertainment would not be possible.  In addition to the entertainers, both of my libraries will be hosting a Stuffed Animal Sleepover: leave your stuffed animals at the library overnight, then come back for them the next day & see photos of all of the fun they had!  Menlo Park is expecting a couple of very exciting & famous visitors: The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and the Mouse from If  You Give a Mouse a Cookie.  These literary giants will be around for hugs & photo ops, and there will be very special crafts on those days.

You like commercials?  Both libraries have commercials this year!  Here you go:





GROWN-UPS: Please remember that many libraries offer an ADULT Summer Reading Program, and your participation—your example of reading—is an important gift to your child!

I am very excited about Menlo Park's Adult Summer Reading Program, which I've had the pleasure of putting together.  Grown-ups get to play BINGO, marking off reading & library explorations on their sheet.   A BINGO results in a free book and a drink from Peet's Coffee & Tea, plus entry into a drawing that offers a great selection of special prizes: a year's coffee "subscription" from Peet's, admission to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, San Francisco City Pass, certificates from Trader Joe's or Draeger's, shopping at Kepler's Books, dinners, movies... READERS ARE WINNERS!

Please, wherever you live, find out what's going on at your library & take part!  If there's anything super-special you're excited about, share!  I love to hear what's happening at other libraries, and sneak into a special program now & then.