If you’re a librarian searching phrases like “summer entertainment for libraries,” “summer reading program performer,” “children’s library show,” or “family-friendly library programs,” you already know the challenge: summer calendars fill fast, and families expect programming that’s interactive, high-energy, and tied to your reading theme.
For summer 2026, The Magic Comic – Jamahl Keyes is rolling out a brand-new library show built for the national theme:
The 2026 Theme Libraries Are Planning Around: “Unearth a Story”
The Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) selected “Unearth a Story” as the 2026 theme—centered on dinosaurs, archaeology, and paleontology—because these topics consistently rank as high-interest for kids and families and spark curiosity across age groups. cslpreads.org+2cslpreads.org+2
That’s exactly where Jamahl’s new show comes in.
Introducing the New 2026 Library Show: Un-Earth The Magic
Un-Earth The Magic is a laugh-out-loud, family-friendly magic show that feels like a stage adventure:
- “Dig sites,” “discovery moments,” and surprises that appear like buried treasure
- Comedy + audience participation that keeps kids engaged (and adults smiling)
- Story-driven routines that naturally connect back to books, imagination, and curiosity
- Optional “reading challenge” shout-outs and library-specific callouts (great for kickoffs and finales)
It’s designed to support what libraries want most in summer: a packed room, happy families, and a clear connection to literacy.
Why a Magic Show Works So Well for Library Summer Programs (With Real Library Stats)
Libraries don’t invest in performers just for noise—they invest in turnout and community impact. And the numbers back that up:
- Virtually all public libraries (99%) offer summer reading programs, showing how universal—and competitive—summer engagement is. ala.org+1
- 97% of public libraries increase youth programming in the summer, because summer is when families are actively looking for events and activities. slj.com
- Nationally, library program attendance has grown over time—from 2005 to 2018, total program attendance increased 57%, and attendance at children’s programs increased 62% (1995–2018). amacad.org
- In the most recent federal benchmarking highlights, 93 million people attended 4.6 million public library programs in 2023—a huge signal that people are showing up when the program is worth leaving the house for. content.govdelivery.com
And here’s what that looks like in the real world:
The Indianapolis Public Library celebrated a record-breaking 2025 summer reading season with 30,400+ participants and 26,857,914 minutes read—plus thousands attending free summer programs. Indianapolis Public Library
Bottom line: when the program is fun, themed, and family-friendly, people come—and they come back.
What Librarians Love About “Un-Earth The Magic”
When you’re booking summer reading kickoff entertainment or a summer finale performer, the show needs to do more than fill time. This show is built to help libraries:
- Attract families to the building (a strong draw for all-ages attendance)
- Support literacy goals through story structure, humor, and theme tie-ins
- Create shareable moments parents post online (free word-of-mouth for the library)
- Make your theme feel “alive”—not just a poster on the wall
Perfect For These Library Searches (Yes, Use These Words on Your Performer Request Forms)
Libraries commonly search:
- summer reading program entertainment
- library performer summer 2026
- children’s magician library show
- family entertainment at the library
- summer kickoff library event ideas
- library programming for kids and families
- CSLP Unearth a Story performer
That’s exactly the lane Un-Earth The Magic is built for. cslpreads.org+2programs.cslpreads.org+2
Book Early — Summer Dates Go Fast
Summer calendars don’t stay open for long, and the most popular weeks often disappear first (especially for June kickoffs and late-July finales).
Book “Un-Earth The Magic” now to lock in your preferred date before your summer schedule fills up.
✅ Ideal for: public libraries, library branches, outreach events, park pop-ups, and community summer reading celebrations
✅ Family-friendly, high-energy, and built around the 2026 “Unearth a Story” theme
