Kids of all ages were wowed by a magician at the children’s library in Albert Lea as part of the summer reading program.

“Everybody loves Jim,” children’s librarian Patty Greibrok said.

Magician Jim Jayes performed shows at 2 and 3 p.m. to a crowd of children and parents.

“We’re so happy with all the people who came,” Greibrok said.

The summer reading program kicked off Monday and will include a story time each Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 10:30 a.m., with an additional nighttime storytime Thursdays at 6 p.m. Greibrok said they had more than 70 children Monday, and more than 30 children on Tuesday and Wednesday.

“We’re off to a roaring start,” Greibrok said.

Special events are each Thursday, and Jayes was the first special performer. Other Thursday events will include R.A.D. Zoo, a Hans Mayer music program, Schifelly Puppeteers, bingo, and Zoo-Man, among others. Greibrok said the summer reading program wouldn’t be possible without the Friends of the Albert Lea Public Library because the program is sponsored in full by them.

“That’s pretty phenomenal — we’re not funded by the city,” Greibrok said.

One mother, Charla DePoppe, brought 5-year-old River to see Jayes. River said he liked the part with the puppets best because it was funny.

“I just think it’s great they do all the summer activities,” DePoppe said.

She said she liked being able to bring River to events where he can meet up with his friends and enjoy the programs.

“They have a lot of great activities,” DePoppe said. “He’s never seen a magic show.”

The summer reading program’s theme is “One World, Many Stories.” Children can read books, depending on their reading level, and win prizes for the amount they have read. The program ends July 23.

Greibrok said all events are free and anyone can attend. For more information the library’s website is www.alplonline.org. The library is in City Hall, 211 E. Clark St., and can be reached at 377-4356. It is open Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. and Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Summer library events guide:

June 6 – July 23: Storytime on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. and Thursdays at 6 p.m.
June 6 – July 23: Game Time at 2 p.m. on Tuesdays
June 6 – July 23: Art Zones Studio at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays
June 6 – July 23: Book Pals for third through fifth graders at 2 p.m. on Wednesdays.
June 16: R.A.D. Zoo will perform at 2 and 3 p.m.
June 23: There will be a Hans Mayer Music Program at 2 and 3 p.m.
June 30: Schifelly Puppets will be featured at 2 and 3 p.m.
July 7: There will be crafts and games at 2 p.m.
July 14: There will be bingo at 2 p.m.
July 21: Zoo-Man will be featured at 2 and 3 p.m.