There's Magic in the Air

Everyone loves magic and we're going to try something new this year.  We've booked Professor Zap, a Cleveland area magician who you may know from his appearances at our library and more recently he has been the headliner for the annual magic show at the Rose Cafe in Lorain.


The Professor will be putting on a short magic show for us on Tuesday, June 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Main Street Community Center, 255 Park Avenue in downtown Amherst.  Come to the show and watch as he demonstrates some of the magic that you could be performing very soon.  The Professor will be at the library for a three part workshop designed for those in grades 4 through age 104. 


Recently he did a once a month workshop during the school year in Cleveland.  He had students attend along with senior citizens, everyone loves a good magic trick.  After the workshop was completed they had a magic show that was hosted by Professor Zap and featured participants in his workshop.  It was a huge success and something I think we could do here in Amherst.


So after the free show, mark your calendars for the three workshops that will be held here at the Amherst Public Library on Thursday, June 28; Tuesday, July 17; and Tuesday, August 14. Then plan on taking part our magic show in August. 

Make it a goal to learn two good magic tricks this summer.  Dream BIG....the time is here.

Summer Prizes

Hey what are the summer reading prizes?


The Teen Summer program has some great prizes this year.  Remember you can earn points by reading, attending an event, or by completing other activities like bringing in donations for the Amherst Food Bank.  For 250 points we've got an array of silicone bracelets you can choose from. Some even glow in the dark. 


The second prize level is at 500 points.  We've got some Bubble-icious pens for you!  These are perfect for writing about your favorite summer activity.  For 750 points you can have your choice of a drawstring book bag or a dream journal.  Both are just waiting to be filled up and taken on your next summer adventure.

Remember, online registration begins this weekend....and you can log points online beginning June 1.  Registration will begin at the library on June 4.

For each prize level you get a ticket for entering into the raffle of your choice.  Food, movies, and a Target gift card are on the list.  

What's going on this summer?

Dream BIG this summer.  Sure the Avengers movie is out on the big screen but why not design your own larger than life super hero?  The sky's the limit, even if you don't draw faster than a speeding bullet, perhaps you can take advantage of our Super Hero drawing workshop with local artist Mike Leuszler. 

This free workshop takes place Monday, June 18 from 2 - 3:30 p.m. here at the Amherst Public Library.  No special drawing ability needed.  Mike will show you some ideas that will have you sketching out your own avenging figures before you know it.

Just show up.  Pencils and paper provided.

What's that up in the sky?  It's Super Pug....even a small dog can dream BIG.

Tropical fun!

Those in grades 5 and up can stop by our upcoming Teen Game Day on Thursday, May 24, at 3:30 p.m. We'll be blending up some tangy, tropical beverages and of course the X-boxes will be out with Kinnect Sports and Guitar Hero. 

Find out about our upcoming Summer Reading Program and get a preview of the prizes.  Check us out.

Summer Success

Maybe you don't remember the year kids voted to see what color she would dye her hair if we were able to get 200 teens to sign up for summer reading.  This year, even without a colorful contest, our teen program registered 292 members not counting those who registered online. That's fantastic.

Thank you to all the kids who took part, volunteered, and took part in our programs and activities.  You really made it a fun summer.  The drawing workshop, magic tricks, craft days were all made more fun by your involvement. 

Thanks also for all the donations made to our charity partners, Flip Flops for Haiti and the Amherst Food Pantry.  Many people benefited from your generosity and willingness to get involved.  Hopefully you'll follow through on that willingness to help others and make a difference as the year continues and you return to school and work.

School?!  It's hard to talk about when it's still July but we are planning another book covering event to help you get started on the right foot.  We covered hundreds of textbooks last year and went through stacks of paper bags.  The library will be there for you again this year when the school bell rings.

Enjoy the few weeks you have till that time and continue to visit us at the library.  Thanks for a great summer.

Magic Happens

There's more magic around now that Ron Price instructed some willing apprentices in the art of cups and balls, rope magic, and even some cell phone tricks.

Two separate classes came to the Main Street Center where local magician and escape artist Ron Price led the workshops.  Even some parents stayed around to learn a few new tricks.  Everyone was surprised to learn there are a few easy tricks with simple items you have around the house, like rubber bands and even paper clips.

The library has a great collection of magic books as well as some videos that explain how to do some classic illusions.  Magic is a great ice breaker and a way to build self confidence.  Just don't tell any one the secret!  Stop by the library to pick up a book or visit Ron when he teaches each Saturday at the Yellow Barrel of Magic in Elyria.

Yo-yo Mania

The yo-yo workshop with Jake Willis drew lots of local enthusiasts who learned a few new tricks.  His high tech, souped up yo-yos were a big draw and people were practicing tricks like the "Jamaican Flag" and "Psycho Baby". 

Jake Willis heads up the Lorain County Yo-yo Association.


Our next workshop is tonight, Thursday, June 24 at 7 p.m.  Bring along your yo-yo or just come and get an idea how to work one.  It's a new dawn and a new age as yo-yo-ing goes high tech.