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Margaret Morrissey, Jacob Edwards Library 2011

Dream Big - Read, what better program than "Reading is Magic?" As early as preschool, my dream was to be a magician. Many years later, having read the first Harry Potter, inspired by Albus Dumbledore, I decided it was time to renew that dream. Using the books I had growing up, those that I gave my children, and books from the library, I began to read, study, and practice the art of magic; I taught myself how to become Ed the Wizard!

"Reading is Magic" is a fun, spellbinding, interactive magic performance emphasizing the importance of reading. Through out the performance the audience is challenged with questions, magic books are on display, and we finish with a question and answer session.

Summer 2012

Ehrich Wiess was inspired by the autobiography of Jean Eugene Robert Houdin. So inspired was Ehrich, "Ehri" as he was known among friends, that he changed his name to "Harry" and added an "i" to Houdin in an attempt to honor Jean Eugene Robert Houdin and became know as Harry Houdini!

Some magic books and their effects on history!

Henri Bouton learned magic by going to the public library in 1906 after he was inspired by a vaudville magic act. He became known as Harry Blackstone.

Jean Eugene Robert Houdin, considered the "Father of Modern Magic," first learned magic from books he mistakenly brought home, he was purchasing books on clock making.

Reginal Scot writes the "Discoveries of Witchcraft" in 1584. Considered to be the first book on conjuring, its purpose was to help stop the torture of those accused of "Witchcraft" rather than as a "how to book."

And don't forget: October is National Magic Month! Halloween is just around the corner, don't wait, book now!

"Reading is Magic" has received well over 200 MCC/LCC grants. Let Ed the Wizard! write a 2012 grant for your school or library. I do the work; you and your students/patrons enjoy the performance!

"Ed, you always do a wonderful program. The adults and kids all said you were awesome. Some of the older kids might have appreciated more dazzling magic but as we all know it is the younger crowd that is our bread and butter in the library world. I love that you came early to set up. I love even more that you talk to the kids and performed before the show officially begins. Your message on the importance of reading came through loud and clear as evidenced by the number of magic books taken out after your performances. Your props, the flaming pots, were really cool; adds a nice touch to the atmosphere."

"Thank you sincerely for the surprise donation of "Hocus Pocus." How thoughtful of you to provide a resource for our patrons to refer to after your program! Your presentation provided an opportunity to use one's imagination and grey matter to solve puzzles."

Judith Meixner, Plainville Public Library 2011