Library's Summer Reading Program Starts With a Little Magic

The Woodland Hills Branch Library experienced a bit of magic Monday when it kicked off its  summer reading program, themed Dream Big, Read.

Magician Tony Daniels drew giggles and gasps from about 50 children and their parents as he joked with age-appropriate humor and amazed with slight of hand, always bringing the conversation back to reading.

He told the audience he got started in magic as a child.

"When I was 5, I saw a magic show at the library," he said. "And afterwards, I read all the magic books I could find."

Daniels even turned a regular playing card into a library card, explaining library cards are the real magic cards.

The Dream Big, Read program is taking place throughout the Los Angeles Public Library System. Though each branch of the library is taking its own spin on it and offering various events and activities, the program itself is the same throughout.

Children's librarian Nancy Brennan explained children who sign up at their local library recieve a game board to color in as they read (or are read to in the case of the youngest children) and complete various activities, such as acting out a story, attending story time or participating in the science club at the library.

"Basically, we want kids to be well rounded, so we ave activities as well as reading," as part of the program, she said.

Preschool storytimes are scheduled for 11 a.m. June 27, July 25 and Aug. 1. The science club will meet at 2 p.m. July 18, 25 and Aug. 8.

As well, there will be a presentation by Actors and Others for Animals at 2 p.m. Aug. 1 and a Reptile Family event at 3:30 p.m. Aug. 29.

The Dream Big, Read program runs through Aug. 11. Children who complete their game board will be eligible to win a family four-pack of tickets to Disneyland.