Local libraries clown around this summer

HARLEM VALLEY — A certain someone made her way around the region last weekend. A few hints: She loves local libraries and is always encouraging children to read and think outside the box. She’s never found without a thousand gadgets, gizmos and talking friends. She’s got a pet rabbit named Dust and size 17 red shoes.

That’s right, everyone’s go-to-girl, Bee Bee the Clown, popped in for some special appearances at the Amenia and Pine Plains libraries last weekend to kick off a few summer reading programs.

“I expect the kids will enjoy the show, but if the grown-ups have a good time then I’ve really accomplished something,� she said.

It was giggles, laughs and corny jokes as Bee Bee entertained children and adults alike with her brand of silly, energetic and most importantly educational humor. With a series of magic tricks, jokes and audience participation, Bee Bee clowned around while still maintaining her message that children should be creative thinkers ready “to try something different and think outside the box.� She urges kids to get their own library card and recommended, among other works, the children’s story, “Fantastic Mr. Fox,� by Roald Dahl (eye-rolling jokes involving “rolls� and “dolls� shortly followed).

It was hard for the children to pick favorites, but an obvious one was Bee Bee’s albino bunny, Dust.

“I liked the bunny because it could do math,� said 7-year-old Austin Thomas. Both Austin and his brother, Shane, agreed they had a great time.

Bee Bee is even inspiring future magicians. Eight-year-old Nolan Talbot has been coming to see his favorite clown every year, and this time around he even brought his own magic trick to show his idol.

“It’s so great,� said Bee Bee after Nolan magically produced a few cookies out of a seemingly empty pot. “I always hope that kids [see my show and] maybe pick up magic. You can learn a lot from the libraries here.�

Dutchess County Legislator Gary Cooper even showed up at the beginning of the Pine Plains show to support Bee Bee and the town’s summer reading program.

“Funding for summer reading programs was going to be cut,� explained Friends of the Library member Jean Osofsky. “But [Cooper] was one of the people in support of [maintaining funding].� The funding cut was voted down.

Here’s a list of the summer reading programs offered by the Amenia Free Library this summer. All events are on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. unless otherwise noted.

July 17: Jason Edwards, who puts on plays for children

July 24: Jilligan, a music teacher who sings songs, tells stories and brings animals

July 31: Treasure hunt for children, with ice cream certificates for prizes

Aug. 7: Craft and story hour

Aug. 14: Ice cream party to end the program. Gifts will be given out to all the children when they bring their book logs to the library.

A Nighttime Story Hour with Mrs. Killmer and Mrs. Karpf will be held. Pajamas must be worn and teddy bears are encouraged to come along. Popcorn will be served. Date and time TBD.

The Amenia Free Library can be reached at 845-373-8273.

And here is the schedule for the Pine Plains Free Library. All events are scheduled for Saturdays from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

July 18: I’ve Got Rhythm

July 25: Ham It Up

Aug. 1: Now You See It

Aug. 8: Dance & Move

Aug. 15: Free Play

Aug. 22: Be Creative

Children ages 4 to 8 are welcome. Register at the library or by calling 518-398-1927.

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