Excitement of Hanson Family Unicycle and Jugglers launches Lincoln's summer reading program

[June 19, 2015]  LINCOLN - The Lincoln Public Library was filled with excited young readers Thursday morning for the first of the summer reading entertainment programs. This year’s theme, “Read to the Rhythm” could not have started with a more exciting show than the Hanson Family Unicycle and Jugglers from Kanawha, Iowa.

The Hanson family started their library entertainment program last year and visited thirteen libraries close to their Iowa home. This year they have been selected to visit forty-five libraries in Iowa and Illinois. The family had three shows on the books for Thursday.

The increase in their shows is testament to the wonderful and exciting time they present to their young audiences. Whether it is juggling or riding unicycles, or riding unicycles while juggling, or juggling while riding unicycles and telling jokes, the Hanson’s kept the Lincoln Public Library crowd of young readers and their parents yelling for more!

The Hanson’s have developed a motto that they impart to their audience. They have turned the word HERO into an acronym for -- Help to improve the world; Endure problems and challenges; Read to find answers; Observe the needs around you. Part of their show highlights kids from around the world who have shown that they are H.E.R.O.’s, by helping their communities and countries become better places. Dad Mark Hanson encouraged the Lincoln audience to come up with their own ideas to help improve the world. The stories about children who become H.E.R.O.’s are on their website www.HansonShows.com. 

The Hanson clan is a talented group having won awards for their skills. Dad Mark is in the Guinness Book of World Records as the fastest three ball juggler in the world having caught 520 juggling balls in one minute. Wife Christa Faye also has her place in the record book for having made the world’s largest paper snowflake that is over fourteen feet across. Daughter Christa Berit attained her own renown having won a national unicycle competition when she was eight years old.

The summer reading program entertainment will continue on Thursday mornings at 10 a.m. throughout the coming weeks. A reservation is required. Contact Lincoln Public Library Youth Librarian Melissa Oxborrow or her staff to sign up. The library youth services number is 217-732-5732.

[Curt Fox]