A magic show at the library to encourage reading
The small library at Malminkartano was packed, with over 90 people turning up to watch the magic show. Even after the event, the children were still discussing the tricks and speculating on how they had been done. In Munkkiniemi, parents said that the show had sparked a new interest in books among the children.
This magic show, designed to encourage reading, aims to fill the library with families with children, and for the children to go home with borrowed books under their arms.
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE SHOW
The performance is a 30-minute narrative magic show in which the world of the library is at the heart of the story. Children take part in tricks, recite magic words and laugh. At the same time, they learn three things:
1. Borrowing from the library is easy and worthwhile.
2. Books are looked after and returned on time.
3. Reading develops concentration and imagination.
The show is best suited to nursery and primary school children, and the humour appeals to adults too. The pace and style of speech are adapted to the age of the audience.
WHERE THE PERFORMANCE IS SUITABLE
Library family events, reading week, theme days, special storytime sessions and local children’s culture weeks. The performance is also available in English.
AUDIENCE SIZE
The show works just as well for a small group as it does for a full library. I recommend a maximum of 200 people per performance to ensure everyone has a good view. For larger events, staging two performances on the same day is a practical solution.
PRACTICAL ARRANGEMENTS
All that’s needed from the library is an open space of around 2 x 3 metres and a power socket. No stage is required. I’ll bring my own sound system, a table and a backdrop, and the volume will be adjusted to suit the library space. I’ll arrive 45 minutes before the performance and take care of the set-up myself.
WHAT LIBRARIES SAY
“Our little library was packed, and over 90 people came to see the performance. The children really loved the show and were engaged right from the start. It was also easy to sort out the practical details with her.” Malminkartano Library
“The library was filled with happy families with children. Parents in particular emphasised that the performance encouraged children to read, visit the library and take an interest in books in a new way.” Munkkiniemi Library
Further information and promotional video: taikurikari.fi/taikuri-kirjastoon
This magic show, designed to encourage reading, aims to fill the library with families with children, and for the children to go home with borrowed books under their arms.
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE SHOW
The performance is a 30-minute narrative magic show in which the world of the library is at the heart of the story. Children take part in tricks, recite magic words and laugh. At the same time, they learn three things:
1. Borrowing from the library is easy and worthwhile.
2. Books are looked after and returned on time.
3. Reading develops concentration and imagination.
The show is best suited to nursery and primary school children, and the humour appeals to adults too. The pace and style of speech are adapted to the age of the audience.
WHERE THE PERFORMANCE IS SUITABLE
Library family events, reading week, theme days, special storytime sessions and local children’s culture weeks. The performance is also available in English.
AUDIENCE SIZE
The show works just as well for a small group as it does for a full library. I recommend a maximum of 200 people per performance to ensure everyone has a good view. For larger events, staging two performances on the same day is a practical solution.
PRACTICAL ARRANGEMENTS
All that’s needed from the library is an open space of around 2 x 3 metres and a power socket. No stage is required. I’ll bring my own sound system, a table and a backdrop, and the volume will be adjusted to suit the library space. I’ll arrive 45 minutes before the performance and take care of the set-up myself.
WHAT LIBRARIES SAY
“Our little library was packed, and over 90 people came to see the performance. The children really loved the show and were engaged right from the start. It was also easy to sort out the practical details with her.” Malminkartano Library
“The library was filled with happy families with children. Parents in particular emphasised that the performance encouraged children to read, visit the library and take an interest in books in a new way.” Munkkiniemi Library
Further information and promotional video: taikurikari.fi/taikuri-kirjastoon
