DEMOPOLIS-The Demopolis Public Library was again a place where fun and learning were combined Thursday as participants in the Summer Reading Program learned about chemistry with University of West Alabama Professor John Chesnut.

Chesnut performed a variety of tricks involving chemical reactions such as creating fire, clouds and rubber balls. Chesnut said these were all projects he had shown to many students and when he was asked to perform for the program he was more than happy.

“What we had here today were demonstrations I have done before in high schools and junior high schools,” Chesnut said. “They asked if I would be interested in doing it for elementary school students and I said certainly.”

Chesnut said the demonstrations were perfect to capture the interest of this particular age group because they were not something the children saw every day.

“These are popular demonstrations I have performed many times,” Chesnut said. “For a program like this they really enjoy some of the flashier things. Kids are usually excited about sparks or extreme temperatures.”

Chesnut said the demonstrations were a part of keeping science fun for himself and the students.

“This is a lot of fun,” Chesnut said. “This is like just doing the good parts of teaching. I really enjoy getting to take part in programs like this.”

The library has several more programs on tap for the summer.

On June 21 kids in grades 4-6 are invited to join a special guest at the Demopolis Public Library for a fun-filled hour of chemistry magic as Chesnut returns to demonstrate his experiments for an older group. The show begins at 2 pm.

June 22 little ones from 2 years to Pre-K will enjoy puppets and music as Ms. Connie and special guest, Traci Spiller, perform “Elephant Sneeze” at 10 a.m.

The next day Tomie DePaola’s tale, Strega Nona, will come to life for kids in grades K-3 at 2 pm at the Demopolis Public Library

Other events include:

June 28

Abracadabra!

Kids in grades 4-6 won’t want to miss Skip Cain, The Magic Guy, at the Demopolis Public Library at 3 p.m.

Tomie DePaola’s tale, Strega Nona, will come to life for kids from 2 yrs to Pre-K at 10 a.m.

June 30

Steve Burgess and his goofy friend, Maynard, are back by popular demand!

Kids in grades K-3 can enjoy their silly songs and antics at 2 p.m.

For more information on library events please call 289-1595 for more information.