Belmont Library Holds Summer Reading Kickoff Party

Jump for Joy Music more than lived up to its name Saturday when it performed at the for the summer reading kickoff party.

In keeping with the theme of the Summer Reading Program “One World, Many Stories,” Wiley Rankin and Jump for Joy Music entertained the crowd with music from around the world.

“It’s really about laughter, which we believe softens the spirit,” Wiley Rankin said about the show.

The crowd was rewarded with a high-energy show that allowed the children to sing and dance as much as it allowed them to laugh.

Rankin, who played the flute, piccolo, guitar, and harmonica during the performance, commanded the attention of the crowd with jokes and silly antics.

Audience participation figured prominently in the 45-minute show, as children were picked from the audience to sing along with many of the songs.

Near the end of the show, Rankin involved a dad in the show. The man, who was a really good sport about it, came up to the stage area and jumped around like a bunny and acted like a dog waging its tail.

“We have a philosophy that if you can get people to laugh at themselves, then you’re three steps ahead of the game,” Rankin said.

Rankin, who majored in music at San Jose State University, has been performing musical shows for over 20 years. He said a lot of the shows Jump for Joy music does are for children. But they do perform for adults as well.

“We also do parties, college groups, and chamber of commerce events,” Rankin said.

After the performance by Jump for Joy Music, families were led to the library’s outdoor amphitheater area for refreshments. Children were able to sign up for the summer reading program and there was a free raffle for SF Giants game tickets.

Starting in July, children can visit the library to pick up their second prize from the library’s treasure chest, said Children’s Librarian Ellie Anderson

More than 500 children had signed up for the summer reading program prior to the Saturday’s kickoff party, Anderson said.    

When the summer reading program ends in August, all children participating in the program will be eligible to receive the grand prize.   

“There’s a special bag that they’ll get. There will be a coupon for a free pizza. A pass for the Lawrence Hall of Science, a pass for the Chabot Space and Science Center, a certificate of completion, and they also get to choose a book to keep,” said Anderson.

All live performances that are part of the Summer Reading Program are made possible by the Friends of the Belmont Library.

On Wednesday, Magician Magic Dan will perform in the library’s Taube room at 7 p.m.