“How to
Jumpstart Enthusiasm for
Your Library Programs”
No doubt about it… you’ve got a tough job.
Finding the best programs for your library– ones that will draw a
full crowd from your community, hold the attention of the kids and
parents, and promote the fun of reading – is a daunting
task. But, following some time-proven criteria can simplify your
work and make the books fly off your shelves.
A successful library presenter
·
Establishes good rapport with the audience,
·
Engages the crowd through interaction,
·
Captures the attention of the wide age range of
reading program patrons, and
·
Encourages kids to learn and stimulate their
imagination with books.
That might sound like a tall order… but THAT’S
JEFF’S JOB! Jeff presents for thousands of kids each week at school
assemblies, community events, and libraries just like yours.
Possibly the Easiest Program You’ll Host
Custom posters are
available free of charge and mailed in advance to build interest in
the special program.
You never need to
worry about having the right equipment, because Jeff’s show is
totally self-contained. The day of the program Jeff arrives twenty
minutes early and sets up his tables and sound system (if needed).
Cones create a “stage” and you even receive a fun-to-read
introduction to make your job hassle-free. Jeff takes
control of the program so you can enjoy the show and get ready for
the rush to the checkout counter.
Best of the Best
Over the past fifteen years, Jeff has received
sixteen first place awards in magic competitions ranging from
Calgary to Palm Springs. Many of the routines he has performed have
come directly from the shows offered to libraries. Most recent
recognitions include:
- two time Stage Magic Champion
Northwest Magic Jamboree, Oregon
- Best Children’s Entertainer/"Best of South Sound Awards"
The Olympian newspaper
Additionally, the Pacific Coast Association of Magicians has named
Jeff their Children’s Entertainer Champion
three consecutive times
in the past.
Themed Programs for Libraries
Choose from Jeff’s four themed programs
including:
Each of the shows is totally unique, so
they make great repeat bookings. Or, you can have a just-for-fun
performance. Follow the text links above for descriptions of each
program. (Although the web pages are designed for elementary school
assemblies, the programs for libraries are very similar. Library
programs in general don’t include the backdrop or “Class Activity
Sheets.”)
Top Reviews from Kids,
Parents, and Librarians
Jeff has worked at nearly every branch of the
Tacoma Public Library System, Pierce County Library System, Sno-Isle
Library System, and King County Library System. For three years he
has been a featured presenter during the summer reading program for
all twenty seven Timberland Regional Library branches. For the past
seven years he has been selected as part of the King County Library
System’s “Ready, Set, Read!” school visits.
Nearly all of Jeff’s library shows are repeat
engagements; in fact, this marks Jeff’s sixteenth consecutive year of one
or more performances each year at the Lacey, Olympia, and Tumwater
Timberland Libraries.
Numerous references are available upon
request. Here are a few comments from previous library
appearances.
“I always know I can count on a
quality program with lots of FUN for my kids!”
-Laurin Linscott, Kent
Regional Library
“You held the kids (and adults)
in the palm of your hand for the entire hour, and the way you worked
the theme of reading into your show was – what else can I say –
Magical! It was an enchanting treat for all who attended the
show.”
-Peggy Tomasso,
Stanwood Library
“I enjoyed everything you did in
the lunchroom. I promise I will read for the rest of my life.”
-Cameron, Mountain View
Elementary student
“Your lively assembly with the
potent reading message was the best assembly I’ve seen in
27 years of teaching. As a result 21 of my 22 children got their
library cards. Number 22 is working on his mom!”
-Pat Dahl, Chinook
Elementary
“Both staff and students were
raving about his performance! They said it was the BEST Read
Across America Assembly they had seen!”
-Kimberly Rose, Star Lake Elementary
Librarian
“My office
mate and her children were in your audience last night and she said
they are still talking about how you do those things. Her
kindergarten son wants to go right to the library tonight to get
magic books and they want to write you a letter. So don't be
surprised if you hear from a little girl and boy who are absolutely
entranced with you:). That's what I call a success!!”
-Kay Peters,
Title 1, Shoreline Schools
“Jeff was fun, kid-friendly, and he
gave a super assembly that really pumped the students up regarding
reading!”
-Shelly Flaig,
Jefferson Elementary
“I had one student come back to
me the next day and say that he went straight to the public library,
activated his card, and checked out a book on magic. He was
inspired!”
-Urdene Rickard, St.
Vincent de Paul School Librarian
“Your performance has instant and
immediate appeal for all ages and your humor keeps everyone in tow.”
- Mie-Mie Wu, Kenmore
Library
“Adults enjoyed the show as much,
if not more, than the kids.”
- Adele Warsinske,
White Center Library
“Here's a quote from a satisfied parent at our library program in
Sumner. ‘His show was so great, I didn't bother reading the book I
brought with me!’ I've had lots of positive response from the
parents after your program, like, "It's like finding that tape or CD
that both kids and parents enjoy watching - adults have as much fun
as the kids.’ ‘He really seems to be having as much fun as the
kids.’
-Catherine O'Brien, Sumner Library
“Thank YOU! I can't heap enough praise on you for your
performance and your graciousness with the kids. You're unusually
gifted with a great rapport with children. Plus you're a darn good
magician. In fact, your shows are the best magic I've seen...
ever! Thanks so much for working with us.”
-Pamela LaBorde, Ballard Library
“I wanted to thank you again for taking time out of your busy
schedule to come to Burlington to entertain 208 people. I
appreciated the promotional posters, your promptness, and the
positive connections you made with the children. Your program flowed
nicely and using audience participation added to the excitement.
The children and their parents clambered into the library after your
performance to check out the magic books!!”
-Lisa Anderson, Burlington Library
Block Booking Rate
Jeff is based in Olympia and performs
throughout Washington and Oregon. Libraries are encouraged to coordinate for
same-day performances of the same program to get the best rates.
With almost no effort, you’ll be set up for a fun show that
drives home the importance of reading and brings kids to your
library.
To learn more send e-mail
to
or
call toll free (877) 412-5064
Program Facts
|
Reading Magic
|
Science Magic
Mission: Possible
| Secrets of Wizards