On Satuday, June 1, 3:00 p.m. in Almaden's large Community Room, the Fratello Marionettes will perform their entertaining "Vaudeville Follies." This show kicks off the 2013 Summer Reading Celebration and will entertain both young and old alike. This variety show is in the spirit of the old time music hall, with puppeteers performing in full view of the audience.  You'll see singers, dancers, a clown that blows up a balloon, and even a trapese artist. Fun for the whole family.

Santa Teresa Library's Friends of the Library are proud to sponsor Baum's enchanting story, The Wizard of Oz, in puppet format! Join us at 11:00 a.m. on April 27, 2013 for Dorothy, Toto, the Tin Woodsman, the Cowardly Lion, and the Scarecrow in the quest to find the magical wizard in the Emerald City. You've seen the movie, now see it live!

 Everyone loves puppet shows! Join us for a fun one on Saturday, April 27, 2013 at 3:00 PM in the Children's Room of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library. The Luce Puppet Company will be presenting "The Splashy Sea Saga of Sailor Sam." We'll be sailing the Seven Seas with Sailor Sam and his little pal Salty as they search for adventure and treasure. We will meet mythical creatures along the way: a giant squid, a dangerous bunny, a fearsome dragon-roc, and a rather unusual mermaid. It will be a rollicking romp that everyone will enjoy. Don't miss it!

Want to put on your own puppet show? The library does offer many books on puppets, puppet making and puppet plays to get you started.

This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library.

On Thursday, June 21, 2012, teensReach volunteers (with the assistance of the staff) presented a fun puppet and variety show at the Almaden Branch Library.  This program was part of the Summer Reading Celebration and was held in the large Community Room.  The show's directors were Almaden Branch Librarian, Ed Koetitz and Pirjo Polari-Khan, adult volunteer (photo on the left).  Opening the show were the colorful chicken and duck marionettes that danced and interacted with the children to their delight.  A humoreous musical skit was presented called "Dog Rules" that detailed the rules that all dogs must follow.  Featured at the end of the show, was the puppet play called "Mr. Eagle's Park," which was written by Irma Polari, Polari-Khan's mother, and tells the story of an eagle that takes over a park but soon learns that it's no fun to play by himself.  Carol Rosen, Correspondant for the MercuryNew.Com wrote an informative article that can be found here. 

  The Children's Room of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library is the place to be on Saturday afternoons in July.  We'll be having puppets and music programs as part of our Summer Reading Celebration! All of our programs are sponsored by the wonderful Friends of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library and are FREE!

Here's what's on the agenda for July:

July 7th, 2012: Puppetry Workshop for Kids @ 3:00PM ~ Children love puppets so what could be more fun than actually making one to bring home! In this workshop children will make their own unique puppets and then learn how to give them life and character through voice and movement.  This program is best for school age children. Please arrive early since seating is limited.

July 14th, 2012: Punch and Judy Show @ 3:00PM  ~ Come meet Mr. Punch and his wife Judy in this traditional Punch and Judy Show. The first Punch and Judy shows appeared in the 16th century and the antics of these 2 characters still continue. Come join the fun; a wonderful program for the entire family.

  July 21st, 2012: Multicultural Music from Around the World @ 4:00PM ~  Let's take a journey around the world through music. Don and Shane will bring you music and instruments from all over the world for a truly hands-on experience and lots of fun too!

July 28th, 2012: Bingo Schmingo @ 4:00PM ~ More music and more audience participation with Bingo Schmingo; and with a name like that you know it will be lots of fun too! You'll leave the library singing!

Enjoy a delightful puppet show based on multi-cultural folk legends, fables and stories on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 6:00 pm in the Edenvale Branch Library Community Room. Local artist Edgar Zancudo Sanchez will entertain the entire family with his interactive show.   This event is made possible by the generosity of the Friends of the Edenvale Branch Library.