Old World Puppetry at the library next week

Next week marks the halfway point of Stillwater Public Library’s “Summer @ Your Library” program with weekly programs, reading challenges, prizes and much more. You still have plenty of time to get enrolled, just visit http://library.stillwater.org/summer_@_your_library.php to get started. Programs next week include:

Tuesday, June 27, a new program debuts featuring Richard Elsenpeter’s Marionettes in a retelling of “Tom Sawyer” at 10 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and at the special new all-family friendly program time at 6:30 p.m.  Elsenpeter is a strong believer in fantasy. Without fantasy, he feels children miss a vital part of their development. 

"The fantasy world is as necessary to the development of the mind as crawling is to walking,” said Elsenpeter. “If a child is denied the freedom to pursue a fantasy, he is deprived. It serves
a very important purpose."

Elsenpeter’s Marionettes is a professional full-time performing Marionette company which has entertained millions of school children. The Elsenpeter’s Marionettes tradition of puppetry started in Elen, Germany approximately 139 years ago, by Elsenpeter's great grandfather. Their traditional form of puppetry has been handed down through four generations and is described as "old world style of puppetry." It is rarely seen any more in America because of its technical difficulties.

Each program is especially written for the Marionettes theatre, and every detail has been carefully designed to achieve a perfect dramatic production in miniature. Elsenpeter’s skillful manipulation of the Marionettes transforms the two foot tall, hand carved, wooden dolls into living characters with definite personalities.

The Elsenpeter program delights the young and the young-at-heart while stressing the importance of education and reading. His goal is to give children an outlet for their fantasies while making a lasting impression on them.

As an early reminder, the library will be closed Tuesday, July 4, so no programs on that day.

On Wednesday, June 28, 2:30-4:30 p.m., young adults in 6-12 grades will be growing a better world with OSU Payne County Extension. Inside, attendees will make seed bombs, learn about plants and explore plant pathogens. Outside, teens will tour several blocks near the library, identifying plants and learning more about botany in Oklahoma. Participants are advised to wear shoes comfortable for walking and clothing appropriate for being outside.

On Thursday, June 29, “Summer Cinema” features “Secret Life of Pets” at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The hilarious PG film uncovers the lives our pets lead after we leave for work or school each day. Max, a terrier, has his favorite-pet status turned upside-down when his owner takes in a stray named Duke. Popcorn will be provided. Please bring a water bottle.

Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. is the second program in the “Let’s Talk About It” series featuring Dr. Harbor Winn and the short poetry book, “Native Guard” by Natasha Tretheway. The program includes Dr. Winn’s presentation, small group discussions and refreshments from the Civil War era.