By TERRI RITTER
Public Relations Coordinator, North Webster Public Library

NORTH WEBSTER — Experience the magic of reading when magician Jim Merrills performs at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 22.

Merrills will dazzle and amaze the audience with magic tricks as he challenges children to catch the magic of reading in a fun, interactive show the whole family will enjoy. All children are invited to attend. If your child is participating in the Summer Reading Program, be sure they bring their Reading Passports to get stamped for extra credit toward prizes.

Families are also invited to a free movie matinee, complete with free popcorn, for two showings, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Thursday, July 23. Rated PG, the movie is an animated Disney film about a brilliant young robotics whiz who leaps into action with his tech-savvy friends and robot companion to save their hi-tech city from a criminal plot. Free tickets for limited seating are available one hour prior to show time. It’s a great way for families to enjoy a fun movie experience without spending a dime.

If your child or teen is participating in the Summer Reading Program, be sure they complete their reading passports by Saturday, July 25, because that is the last day they can earn prizes for reading.

Every youth who completes at least five hours of reading by that day will earn a free hotdog at the library’s Grand Finale Picnic 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 29. In addition, teens participating in the Teen Reading Club who have completed at least 40 hours of reading by Saturday, July 25, will also earn a ticket to a Teens Only Pizza Party 4:30 p.m. Thursday, July 30.

There is still time to earn prizes, so keep the kids reading.

Meanwhile, the adults in R.E.A.D. Book Club have been reading “Chocolat” by Joanne Harris. The club will meet 5:30 p.m. Monday, July 20, to discuss this waggish novel about a chocolate shop owner in a French village whose delectable confections wreak havoc with the villagers’ Lenten vows and pits her against the local priest. With a few copies still available, pick one up at the Circulation Desk and join us for a “delicious” discussion.  Next month’s book will be “Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind” by Ann B. Ross.

It’s summer time at the lake, so express your thoughts about the lake in an essay and come to Writer’s Corner earlier at 10 a.m. Monday, July 20. The group will share their essays and encourage each other in developing their writing skills.  You don’t have to be an accomplished writer to be a part of this group, just someone who likes to put their thoughts and ideas in writing.

While Writer’s Corner writes about the lake, the North Webster Hiking Club will be hiking Crooked Lake Thursday evening, July 23. Meeting in the library parking lot at 5:30 p.m., the group will form a carpool to travel to the Crooked Lake Nature Preserve north of Columbia City on the Noble/Whitley county line.  This will be a moderate 2.5 mile trail through a variety of terrain and ecosystems. If you are an adult who enjoys nature and walking, join us for this evening hike with leader Kevin McGonagle.

Be sure to stop by the Friends of the Library Dixie Day Book Sale 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 25, outside in front of the library and pick up some great reading bargains.