Blackbeard the Pirate to kick off library Summer Reading Program, “Make a Splash: Read!”

Avast! Heave to as Blackbeard the Pirate – a.k.a. performer Ben Cherry – kicks off “Make a Splash: Read!”, the Randolph County Public Library’s Summer Reading Program, with visits to all seven libraries during the week of June 14.

The performances are free and the public is invited.

Veteran actor Cherry gives a well researched, spellbinding rendition of the infamous pirate’s life featuring costumes and authentic props. His able First Mate Dee Gee shares information about famous female pirates.

They have brought Blackbeard to life for over 400 schools, museums and youth groups and have become mainstays at nautical festivals such as Seafair in Seattle, Harborfest in Norfolk and Pirate Week in Grand Cayman.

Blackbeard will appear at the libraries as follows:

Asheboro: 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 15.
Archdale: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 16.
Franklinville: 2 p.m. Thursday, June 17.
Liberty: 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 15.
Ramseur: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 17 (at the Ramseur Municipal Building).
Randleman: 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 16.
Seagrove: 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 15.

Blackbeard’s appearances are the first of some 130 summer events at the libraries including storytimes, performances, movies, hands-on activities and more. All are designed to inspire kids to keep reading over the summer.

There are programs and opportunities for teens and adults, too. For complete Summer Reading schedules and details, go here or visit any of the libraries.

For more information, call 318-6804.

The Summer Reading Program is made possible by the Friends of the Library and by a North Carolina Arts Council Grassroots Arts Grant via the Randolph Arts Guild.