Entertainers Booked for Library Programs

Native American storytellers, a gypsy folk ensemble, puppeteers and other performers will join the Orange County Public Library in observing Children’s Book Week from Nov. 17 to 23 at various branches.

The annual event promotes child literacy with entertainment, crafts, games and other activities.

“It’s to get children interested in reading at an early age,” said Helen Lotos, a county library spokeswoman. “The earlier, the better.”

Orange County branch events are free and open to the public.

Some highlights:

* Storyteller Jerry Running Deer, a Juaneno Mission Indian and member of the San Juan Capistrano Indian Council, relating animal tales handed down for generations; 3:30 p.m. Nov. 18 next to the Seal Beach Mary Wilson Library, 707 Electric Ave.

* The Gypsy Folk Ensemble performing dances from around the world; 3:30 p.m. Nov. 19, San Clemente Library, 242 Avenida del Mar.

* Children’s Reader’s Theater, with participants acting out scenes from popular children’s books; 3:30 p.m Nov. 19, Brea Library, 1 Civic Center Circle.

* Kindertainment, a storytelling program for ages 4 to 12; 7 p.m. Nov. 19, El Toro Library, 24672 Raymond Way, Lake Forest.

* Puppeteer Pam Peters performing “The Elephant’s Child” by Rudyard Kipling; 7 p.m. Nov. 20, Brea Library, 1 Civic Center Circle.

* C.C. Celebirdy’s Puppets; 7 p.m. Nov. 20, Rancho Santa Margarita Library, 30902 La Promesa.

* Storyteller Nancy McQuillan, director and founder of the South Coast Storytellers Guild; 3 p.m. Nov. 21, Laguna Beach Library, 363 Glenneyre St.

* Reader’s Theater and crafts for school-age children; 7 p.m. Nov. 22, Mesa Verde Library, 2969 Mesa Verde Drive East, Costa Mesa.

Check with local branches for other listings.

Information: (714) 566-3000.