Puppets and Plays On Site Activity
Arrowhead Library System provided local libraries and patrons with puppet and play experiences at the local level. These programs were highly popular in the past as multiple attendees reported that they had never seen a live puppet show before. This was a programming priority for ALS. Comedian and Ventriloquist James Wedgewood presented his interactive program at public libraries and partner locations. His programs are interactive and for folks of all ages. He uses amazing comic ventriloquism and fun characters for youth and families. The Duluth Playhouse presented Ellie the Elephant, an original adaptation of the fable of the elephant and the blind man by Sarah Ruth Diener, at 23 local libraries and school partners.
1,044 youth and adults attended the Ellie the Elephant play. 2,147 youth and adults attended the James Wedgewood programs.
The intended outcome of the program is to stimulate patron imagination and creativity. It will educate kids about being brave, facing adversity, being a good friend, and working together. It will also expose patrons to new art formats.
A survey was distributed to both groups of attendees. 98% of the James Wedgewood program attendees said they would attend another program like this at the library. Some comments include: "I loved watching my kids laugh!" "I want my own dummy so I can teach it to talk!" 94% of the Ellie the Elephant program attendees said they would attend another program like this at the library. Comments include: "Kids learned to use all five senses" and "I learned to talk things through if I'm in an argument."
Arrowhead Library System