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Magician Rob Westcott entertains children, parents at Main Street Library

Magician encourages reading

The magic words on June 29 at Main Street Library were “I love reading.” When about 140 children and parents in attendance shouted them, magician Rob Wescott performed magic tricks and more. The free event was part of the Newport News Public Library System’s Summer Reading Program for children.

Magician Rob Westcott entertains children and parents on June 29 at Main Street Library as part of the Summer Reading Program

The magic words on June 29 at Main Street Library were “I love reading.” When about 140 children and parents in attendance shouted them, magician Rob Wescott performed magic tricks and more. The free event was part of the Newport News Public Library System’s Summer Reading Program for children.

“I think it’s great seeing all the children enjoying the Summer Reading Program,” said Westcott. “I love using magic to inspire children to read.”

Wescott employed magic tricks, puppets, stuffed bananas, and a live white rabbit named Prince Charming to encourage reading. He spoke of the wealth of knowledge found in every library book before displaying a stash of gold coins and used disappearing blocks to teach a lesson on returning library books.

A number of children had the opportunity to join him on stage and assist with tricks and skits. At the end of the performance, the audience could pet Prince Charming.

“Rabbits are one of my favorite animals, and I could spend my life reading,” said 8-year-old Charlotte Acker, a Newport News resident at the performance.

The Summer Reading Program, an annual event, runs through July 31, and participants can sign up anytime. The Summer Reading Program is made possible by the Friends of the Newport News Public Library. For more information, visit http://www.nngov.com/library/resources/srp.

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