Mr. Billy

Without a doubt library programs are among my favorite shows to create and perform! Year after year I work closely with the The Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) to deliver summer reading presentations and new songs that excite and delight while bringing kids and families together to experience the joys of reading!

But reading isn't just for summer!  I also offer programs for winter reading, Read Across America, March reading month, Book week, National Library month, librarian workshops and more

I'm sure you'll find something you like here, if not, tell me what you want and I'll do it for you, how's that for a promise!

2010 Summer Reading

Mr. Billy's Beach Party Bash!

Bring your towel, your swimsuit and get ready to jam! Mr. Billy's Beach Party Bash is ready to make a splash at your library.  In 2010, the new summer reading program will feature songs about water, sea life, science, feelings, the environment and SPONGE BOB SQUARE PANTS!

Of course there will be lots of songs about books and authors, interaction, dancing, singing, air guitar jams and everything else you'd expect at a one of my  "rock concert" style presentations.

"Mr. Billy's Beach Party Bash" is available as a solo, duo or FULL BAND presentation, let's rock!

Summer dates are filling up FAST, very fast this year.  Please book early, discounts for system tours and multiple booking on the same day.

Look for my new Summer Reading CD "H²0-Go-Go" coming soon!

What else is there besides summer reading???

There are many holidays and library celebrations throughout the year. I have programs for new wing and grand openings, family nights and PLEASE READ THIS...I can create a musical program to go with ANY... I repeat... ANY grants that become available for your library. Recently I was asked to create a math theme show that is how the "1, 2, 3 Math, Music and Me" program (one of my most popular) came to be. Already in  my bag of tricks are programs for Read Across America, Dr. Seuss, Halloween, Christmas/Winter and even a SONGWRITING and RECORDING program, WOW.

Need more ideas? Here is a list of other popular library celebrations that could use a musical touch!

Library Lovers' Month - February
Library Lovers' Month is a month-long celebration of school, public, and private libraries of all types. This is a time for everyone, especially library support groups, to recognize the value of libraries and to work to assure that the Nation's libraries will continue to serve.

Read Across America - March
Read Across America, sponsored by the National Education Association, is a reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child to celebrate reading on March 2, Dr. Seuss's birthday. We also provide resources and activities to keep children reading year round.

Teen Tech Week - March
The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), the fastest growing division of the American Library Association (ALA), is pleased to announce Teen Tech Week, a new YALSA celebration aimed at getting teens to use their libraries for the different technologies that are offered there, such as DVDs, databases, audiobooks, electronic games and more. Teen Tech Week will be celebrated for the first time March 4-10, 2007.

National Library Week - April
First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support. All types of libraries – school, public, academic and special – participate.

School Library Media Month - April
First celebrated in 1985, many school library media programs celebrate the month of April as School Library Media Month in conjunction with, and sharing the same theme as, National Library Week.

National Library Workers Day - April
The Allied Professional Association of the American Library Association (ALA-APA) annually sponsors National Library Workers Day, which falls on the Tuesday of National Library Week. The purpose is to recognize all library workers, including librarians, support staff and others who make library service possible every day.

National Volunteer Week - April
Sponsored by the Points of Light Foundation, National Volunteer Week is about thanking one of America's most valuable assets – our volunteers – and calling the public's attention to all that they do to improve our communities.

Children's Book Week - May
A celebration of the written word, Children's Book Week introduces young people to new authors and ideas in schools, libraries, homes and bookstores. Through Children's Book Week, the Children's Book Council encourages young people and their caregivers to discover the complexity of the world beyond their own experience through books.

Library Card Sign-Up Month - September
September is Library Card Sign-Up Month - a time when the American Library Association and libraries across the country remind parents that the most important school supply of all is @ your library®--it's your library card.

Banned Books Week - September –October
Banned Books Week, an annual celebration of the freedom to read, is observed the last week of September. Each year, librarians, booksellers, teachers and countless others take this opportunity to highlight the importance of intellectual freedom and remind us not to take this precious democratic freedom for granted.

Teen Read Week - October
A national literacy initiative of the Young Adult Library Services Association that is aimed at teens, their parents, librarians, educators, booksellers and other concerned adults. The continuing message of the Teen Read Week initiative is to encourage 12-18 year olds to "Read For The Fun Of It". Each year an annual theme allows YALSA to focus on timely topics and teen interests. Teen Read Week is celebrated the third full week in October every year.

National Friends of Libraries Week - October
The celebration offers a two-fold opportunity to celebrate the Friends. Use the time to creatively promote your group in the community, to raise awareness, and to promote membership. This is also an excellent opportunity for your library and Board of Trustees to recognize the Friends for their help and support of the library.