The magic of Tim Stolba amazes Lincoln Public Library's summer readers

 

[August 10, 2019] 

LINCOLN 

As if the Lincoln Public Library does not have enough magic on the shelves in the form of books about everything, the Thursday morning summer reading program brought magician Tim Stolba front and center for the weekly entertainment.

Tim has been to the LPL several times, and remains one of the most popular entertainers and teachers to appear. It is important to note that each of the Thursday morning entertainers not only do their thing, but also include important information for the young readers about how they can use the library to enhance their knowledge.

Tim Stolba hails from Marion, Iowa and to underscore his commitment to magic, happens to own the only magic store in the state. He has been performing for over 40 years, entertaining audiences with his blend of classic magic and comedy, audiences that range from libraries and schools to minor league baseball parks.

Tim told his audience that he has the number 793.8 painted on the back of his van. It tells all that this is the section of any public library that has books about magic on the shelves. “I learned about magic from reading when I was thirteen,” he said.

Stolba wants his young audience to know that they too can read a book and learn the art of magic. Or for that matter, they can learn anything by grabbing a book at the library.

“Libraries rock,” he and his audience shouted at Thursday morning’s summer reading show.

In his repertoire Stolba demonstrated how to take a rope and cut it into two sections and then put it back together without a knot; he did card tricks with cards scattered all around the library, and a sword through the neck routine. There was even a bit of levitation. The coloring book without any colors in it suddenly became filled with colored pictures. These tricks of magic left his young audience delighted.

“It’s Showtime at Your Library” really was true Thursday morning.

Miss Tegan from the Youth Services section of the Lincoln Public Library told the packed house of young readers and their parents that this was the last program for summer reading. All reading logs were due the next day so that a final count could be made to order the special commemorative t-shirts for everyone who participated in this summer’s fun.

The library has wrapped up another wonderful summer reading program for kids. This year over three hundred fifty youngsters participated, and were introduced to the magic that is in store for them at the Lincoln Public Library.

[Curtis Fox]