“A library is an incredible magical place,” Blaine said, “and you should spend a lot of time here.”
He most recently did an underwater stunt in a tank outside Lincoln Center and is this year’s spokesman for the state library’s summer reading program.
He drew “oohs” and “ahhs” from youngsters by demonstrating card tricks. Blaine showed them how he learned to move a card from one hand to the other so quickly that it became invisible to the human eye.
The soft spoken and reserved performer then gave out special decks of cards to the children. He would not reveal his next stunt venture, saying he was concentrating on being an ambassador for the reading program and doing some reading himself this summer.
A handful of children from various library systems in the metropolitan area also gave the reasons why they think books are a treasure—echoing the theme for this year’s summer reading program.
Stephen Watts, 10, of the Bronx, said that reading “calms me down and takes me to other places. It’s relaxing and fun.”
Rita Rozen, 11, from Westbury, described each book as being unique. “It’s like a breath of fresh air” every time you pick up a new book.
Aaron Hertzberg, 7, from Smithtown, said that books equal knowledge: “If it weren’t for books, we would be living in the Stone Age.”
Tiasjah Price, 11, of Brooklyn, believes that books take you on a journey: “You get a lot of knowledge from them and knowledge is much better than silver and gold.”
Registration for the summer reading program in Queens Library branches begins on Thursday, June 8. The program encourages children from toddlers through the 12th grade to read during summer vacation. There are recommended book lists, prizes, incentives and parties for participants.
To register online, go to www.summerreading.org.
|
|
