Summer Reading at the DC Public Library 2009 Youth and Teen Programs This summer will be filled with exciting books, programs, and activities for the entire family beginning in May.   The District of Columbia Public Library celebrates summer reading with two programs: Be Creative @ Your Library for infants to age 14 and Express Yourself @ Your Library for ages 12 to 17.  Check it out!   For more information about dates and times contact your library or visit the DC Public Library online. Be Creative @ Your Library Summer Reading Programs for Children, Infant to 14   Alfredo Bess - Fast Freddy the Clown Reinforce your child’s learning with the antics of Fast Freddy the Clown. His comedic magic presentation and artistic talent captivates audiences of all ages.   Baba Jamal Koram - The Story Man Learn about the accomplishments of various cultures while enjoying a positive and wholesome storytelling experience that uses music, books, and visuals.   Daniel Barash - The Shadow Puppet Workshop Learn the art of shadow puppetry and watch a puppet show depicted through stories from the Be Creative @ Your Library summer reading list. Audience participation is encouraged, and volunteers are invited to help perform the shows.   Derick Riley - Mr. Derby’s Jam Session Get ready to dance and sing with Mr. Derby.  Classic nursery tunes are performed live in a playful and energetic spirit targeted to children 4 to 8 years old.   Janice the Griot  Janice Curtis Greene creatively expresses her stories through song, rap and dance.  Much of her material is original, inspiring, and educational.  She has a story just for you!   Jim Flanagan - Positive Tales that Teach, Tickle, and Motivate Hear engaging stories and tales about school, family, pets and other animals, journeys, scrapes and bruises, and things that go bump in the night.  Jim uses motivational stories, humor and written information that promote literacy.   Jim Zidar – Theatre Games that Build Stories Express yourself through acting, writing, and directing.  Learn techniques and tips from an industry professional with 27 years of experience on stage, film, television and radio.      Kathy Macmillan - Stories by Hand Explore American Sign Language through music and stories!  Bring the whole family for the hands-on fun as signing (and singing) storyteller Kathy MacMillan teaches you to sign some of your favorite songs.     Mike Rose - Creating Magic & Stuff Witness the thrilling slight of hand and illusions, all themed around creativity and the arts.  Interactive comedy, amazing magic, and library books are used to get children excited about summer reading.    Mr. Skip - Hot Tunes for Cool Kids Kids will love to sing and shake to Mr. Skip’s rhythmic tunes.   Oh Susannah!  Sing, clap and tap along with award-winning singer/songwriter/guitarist Susan McNelis.  Her show is an eclectic mix of the Waltz, polka, Twist, and Charleston dances along with the musical sounds of Zydeco and bluegrass.  Children ages 4 to 9.   The Nicolo Whimsey Show This show combines juggling, music, poetry, and storytelling. Nicolo emphasizes language skills and encourages children, ages 4 to 9, to discover and voice their creativity.   Washington National Opera  Come attend an engaging performance of Cinderella, complete an arts and craft project, and receive a Washington National Opera family activity guide.   Creative Saturdays Monthly Saturday programs that encourage children to be creative through art, music, drama, literature, and dance.   Be Creative @ Your Library Children ages 6 to 12 create projects through art, music, drama, literature, and dance.   Express Yourself @ Your Library Summer Reading Programs for Teens, Ages 12 to 17   Christon "Christylez" Bacon – Hip Hop Poetry Slam Express yourself through poetry and hip-hop.  Learn the techniques of poetic self-expression with a range of musical instruments like the West-African Djembe drum, acoustic guitar and rhythmic sounds from a human beat-box.    Adjoa Burrowes – More than Words Adjoa Burrowes, local author and illustrator of over a dozen children books, presents a workshop on papermaking, bookmaking and journal writing.   Farafina Kan – The Sound of Africa This professional West African Percussion Orchestra performs traditional African music infused with reggae, blues, jazz and hip-hop.  Get off your feet and be apart of this interactive, educational and uplifting music experience.   Beat Ya Feet Kings – Krumpn’ Style This local “krump” troupe promotes dance over violence.  Witness their unwavering energy and amazing footwork.   Lyn Dancn Club, Line Dancing Workshop Get in step with the Lyn Dancn Club of Maryland.  Learn some new dance moves, show what you can do and have fun expressing yourself at your library.  Ages 12 to 18 are welcome.  Registration is required.    Kevin Reese - A Perfect Balance A Perfect Balance captures an individual’s artistic talent that produces a colorful and intriguing 3-D mobile that reflects mathematical principles and displays art.    Omekongo Dibinga - Spoken Word Poet, Educator and Motivational Speaker Dibinga uses his voice and words to create thought provoking images that enlighten the spirit.  Journey with him as you discover a greater awareness of our global culture and world.