SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — Children were treated to a magic act Tuesday as a culmination of the free summer reading program at Schuylkill Haven Free Public Library.
Connor Staskel, 20, of Orwigsburg, showcased his skills during a half-hour show at Bubeck Park. Staskel has been doing magic since he was 10 years old and did his first show at the borough’s library.
He performed 10 tricks, often using people from the audience as an assistant.
“I’m going to lock you up in thumb cuffs,” Staskel said to Damian Kadingo, 5, of Schuylkill Haven.
Kadingo tried to escape from the cuffs but could not without the key. Magically, Staskel escaped without the key after Kadingo put the cuffs on him.
During another trick, Staskel showed children a blank coloring book and asked them to “color” the book. Flipping through the book, color appeared on the pages.
This is the fourth time Staskel has performed a magic show for children who attend the summer reading program called “Fizz, boom, read.” The summer reading program ran from June 10 to Aug. 1. Each day featured an experiment children could do and then they read a book, Catherine Keller, children’s librarian, said. About 103 children participated, she said.
Amy Kadingo, 34, of Schuylkill Haven, said her son, Damian, and daughter, Addisen Kadingo, 4, enjoyed the show and the summer reading program.
About 40 people attended the magic show.