March 25, 2004

Circus in San Jose

No animals here—just lots of books

By Kymberli W. Brady
Staff Writer

The first day of spring yielded another in a string of recent picture-perfect days and with it, the second annual San Jose Book Circus.

Keeping true to the theme “Building Blocks for Growing Minds,” the streets outside the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library came alive. An entire city block was transformed into a circus-like atmosphere, filled with entertainment, attractions, celebrities, storytelling, literacy-based art activities, and a heavy equipment petting zoo, just about everything the young and young at heart could ask for, except for lions, tigers and high wire acts.

The event was produced and co-sponsored by District 3 City Councilmember Cindy Chavez, along with Safe from the Start San Jose, a nonprofit organization whose goal is to build awareness through activities and events that encourage literacy and promote the healthy development of children. By the end of the day, over 8,000 free books were handed out to an estimated 6,000 people in attendance.

“The heart of literacy in our city is in our libraries,” said Chavez. “And our new Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library is at the heart of our downtown. Family entertainment and literacy merged at the Book Circus to give children and their families a wonderful opportunity to explore the wonderful world of books.”

Typically reserved for goats, geese, rabbits and pigs, probably the most unique venue could be found at the “heavy equipment” petting zoo, featuring cement mixers, backhoes and fire engines, among others, compliments of Gilbane Building Company and the San Jose Fire Department. Kids of all ages were invited to climb aboard and explore the machinery that helped to build the new library.

Clifford the Big Red Dog, Dora the Explorer, Bob the Builder, and Sharkie mingled with the crowds, surrounded by children clamoring to shake a paw or have their picture taken with their favorite characters throughout the day. Outside, Dizzy Hipps with Velocity Circus defied gravity with hula hoops stunts and offered lessons to young enthusiasts, while the Hoover Mariachi Band, Shady Shakespeare Theatre Company, Hoover Jazz Band, Lo Oferta Dancers, and Tabia Theatre entertained thousands on the main stage.

“The characters were huge, huge draws,” said Safe from The Start Executive Director Sally Souders. “And the free book giveaway was obviously a hit. We couldn't have been more pleased with the turnout.”

The successful event drew support from businesses and individuals throughout the area, and featured VIP readers for story time in the children's room of the library, including Councilmembers Nora Campos, Cindy Chavez, Judy Chirco, David Cortese, Forrest Williams and Ken Yeager, along with Mayor Ron Gonzales, Vice-Mayor Pat Dando, San Jose Police Chief Rob Davis, Deputy Fire Chief Dale Foster, Sharon Snow, Stacey Hendler, Youth Commissioners, Donna Ward, Elena Robles, San Jose Earthquakes Soccer players and, San Jose State Football Coach Fitz Hill.

“We'll definitely do it again next year,” adds Souders. “Hopefully it will get bigger and better each time.”

For more information about Safe From the Start San Jose and their three-pronged approach to safety, literacy and nutrition for children, log on to www.safefromthestartsanjose.org