Matthews Public Library gets custom puppet theatre; story time held weekly

Matthews Public Library in Fredericksburg has introduced a unique element to its children’s programming that is sure to captivate any child – a custom puppet theater.

The puppet theater stands out for its tree shape. Known as Old Locust Tree Meadow, the tree is home to a handful of lovable characters, including Hopkins, the rabbit; Boo, the raccoon; Major, the fox; and Scamp, the mouse.

As the library explained in a press release, the animals of Old Locust Tree Meadow enjoy peace and quiet most days, but do have a habit of occasionally making poor decisions that land them in sticky predicaments. As you might expect, silliness and laughter often ensue.

The library will continue to use its existing Polka Dot City Puppet Theatre, which has entertained children for the past 15 years.

The Old Locust Tree Meadow was handcrafted by Monkeyboys Productions of Horsham. Monkeyboys Productions has built all kinds of props over the years, including for headline acts like Saturday Night Live, the Funny Girl Revival, MST3K, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live, and the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

“Many children throughout those years have told us that they love attending the puppet shows that we put on here,” Sheila Redcay, library director and head puppeteer, said in a press release. “(The new puppetry) adds a third dimension to storytelling and kids love to pretend.”

To visit Old Locust Tree Meadow and catch up with Hopkins, Boo, Major and Scamp, swing by the Matthews Public Library any Wednesday at 10 a.m.

“No one is ever too old to relax and enjoy a good story,” the library reminds us. “Remember, your local public library is always here for you, especially if you’ve started to wonder if you, your child or your grandchild might be spending too much time staring at a screen.”

Matthews Public Library serves the municipalities of Bethel, East Hanover, Swatara and Union townships, as well as Jonestown Borough, and is a member of the Lebanon County Library System. It is located at 102 W. Main St., Fredericksburg.

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