BARB BARRETT/The Luminary David Moreland, the Magician, engaged Sophia Catuto from Muncy to drop some treasured coins that magically appeared from her head, floated down her arm and finally clinked into the can he is holding.

MUNCY – The area libraries were able to blast off with a sizzling summer season. Commander David Moreland started with a universe of tricks in his high energy show that lasted close to an hour. He spoke of books and how much he loves summer and his space travel mission.

Moreland used magic and comedy to entertain children at each of the area’s libraries. On Friday, June 21st at 10 a.m. he visited the Muncy Public Library and introduced himself as a “world famous booklover and astronaut. What is more magical than the wonder in books,” said Moreland.

“I am on a rescue mission,” he told the kids and asked for a few volunteers to help him with some of his routines. He used puppets and balloons, making animals with trickery. After his presentation, he taught some of the children a few tricks they could perform on their own or at home.

After he left the Muncy Library, he visited the Montgomery Public Library in the afternoon for a show at 2 p.m.

Moreland the Magician was at the Hughesville Area Public Library on Wednesday evening, June 19, and on Thursday he visited Jersey Shore and Montoursville.

The theme for this year’s summer reading program is “space” which ends on August 16. Depending on number of stories read, children are eligible to earn prizes over the summer.

David Moreland is from Educational Assemblies based in Ithaca, New York and his shows are designed to inspire reading by motivating children to want to learn. Funding for his visit was provided by the Lycoming County Library System.