“Jeff Evans’ Amazing Magic Show” was hosted in Yelm High School’s Performing Arts Center on July 7.
It is one of many entertaining activities for Yelm residents to participate in this summer through Timberland Library’s Summer Library Program.
Over 50 parents, grandparents, teenagers, young children and toddlers attended the show on July 7, and several were brought up on the stage to participate in the magic show. Magic acts included a fun routine centered around Harry Potter, a skit where Evans appeared to turn an ace playing card into a library card, and much more.
“I’ve been doing programs for the Yelm Timberland Library since about 1995, and it’s been everywhere from the UCBO building to the old Yelm Library at the old city hall. This is an amazing venue, and I was thrilled when I walked in,” Evans told the Nisqually Valley News on July 7 following the conclusion of his show. “Everyone had a great seat, and I’m just happy to be able to go to the different Timberland libraries to be a part of their summer program.”
Evans added that this year’s summer program is different and that rather than keeping track of minutes spent reading, participants can keep track of different activities they’ve attended throughout the summer.
The program kicked off on June 1 and will conclude on Aug. 31, and librarians want residents to know they can still sign up for the program. Participants can complete 10 different activities to receive a certificate of completion as well as other prizes including Tacoma Rainiers tickets, a pass to Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium or Northwest Trek, and more. Families also receive a book bag for completing the program.
“The goal for summer reading is to keep the kids engaged throughout the summer with learning and reading,” Yelm Timberland Library Manager Erica McCaleb said in an interview with the Nisqually Valley News on July 7. “We want to encourage reading but with our program we also have other activities that people can participate in. It’s not so much the number of books you read, but the number of activities you’ve done.”
McCaleb added that the 10 activities include attending Timberland Library events such as magic shows or storytimes, attending a dance party or simply reading books. She said Yelm TImberland Library’s regularly scheduled events also count toward activity completion.
Elizabeth Kalen, with the Yelm Timberland Library, added the summer reading program is a good way to keep Yelm residents engaged in reading and other community activities. The program is also “open to everyone” including children, teenagers and adults.
“It’s really easy to sign up for too,” Kalen said on July 7. “You can drop by the library and pick up a log. When you pick up a log, you get a free book and even adults can get free books.”
Evans, who said he enjoys his role in Timberland Library’s Summer Activities Program, hopes \ area residents continue to utilize the library as an important resource.
“This summer, take advantage of being able to check out and read the books you want,” Evans said. “Whatever your favorite hobby is, there are books about it. Whether you love animals or video games, there are books for everything.”
For more information about the Timberland Library’s Summer Activities Program, visit https://www.trl.org/summer-library-program.
