To kick off their “Ocean of Possibilities” summer events for the kids, the Hempstead County Library (HCL) team had the Magical Balloon Guy as a guest today, and many local kiddos were thrilled with the show. Keeping with HCL’s theme, he made aquatic-themed balloon animals to the soundtrack of well-known, nautical tunes, and asked some of the children in attendance to assist. The young crowd enjoyed the presentation so much that their laughter could be heard throughout the building. 

The Magical Balloon Guy, aka Robb Holladay, said he always enjoys performing at libraries, especially the library here in Hempstead County. “There is always a great crowd at this library, and we always have a great time,” Holladay said. “The most important thing is this show encourages people to come to the library. With the current technology, kids have gotten away from coming to the library and checking out books. I always tell the kids, ‘I love books because you never have to charge them.’”

Hempstead County Library Director Courtney McNeil said the events lined up for the summer are intended to reach the community. “These shows are a great way to get kids into the library and build relationships,” McNeil said. “We want to keep them reading books and keep them out of that summer slide where they can forget what they have learned in school. Most of all, we want them to learn that the library is a fun place to be. It’s not always about studying and being quiet.”

If the response from the children at today’s show is any indication of how much they will enjoy the rest of these summer events, then the Hempstead County Library looks like it is the place to be this summer. The following are the rest of the events lined up for this summer’s “Ocean of Possibilities.”

July 12 at 2:00pm -  Arkansas Game & Fish

July 18 at 2:00pm - Arkansas Game & Fish

July 19 at 2:00 pm - Bright Star Theatre

July 28 at 1:00 pm - Magic Mr. Nick with a Foam Party to follow at 2:00pm

To find out more about these events and the Hempstead County Library, go to the HCL website or the HCL Facebook Page.