May 19, 2019
By:
Science is coming to Smithville on opening day of the 2019 Summer Reading Program as Mr. Bond’s Science Guys bring the science of space out of orbit and into Justin Potter Library.
The five week summer reading program of Justin Potter and the Alexandria Libraries begins with an opening party Thursday, May 30 starting at 2 p.m. at Justin Potter Library. Children set their own reading goal and will receive a participating certificate and other goodies at the Final Party on June 27. All events will be held at the library except the Final Party at the county complex.
Created and operated by Keith Trehy, AKA Mr. Bond, Science Guys began 20 years ago with Trehy as the original Science Guy. He operated the company for a decade before bringing on several other science enthusiasts, thus completing the Science Guys team.
Science Guys perform science shows across the states of Tennessee, Kentucky and Alabama from May to July, and get kids excited about science at the over 100 events they host.
Originally from London, Trehy was a science teacher for several years and also worked as an English teacher in countries around the world. Earning a business degree, he yearned to start his own business, so he put several fun science experiments together and took them on the road, as this was before the Internet. He adopted the nickname Mr. Bond, as a reference to chemical bonds.
He initially was part of a group called Mad Science of Nashville, but broke away and started the Science Guys shortly afterward because he wanted the freedom to run his own operation.
The Science Guys not only visit libraries with their science shows, but also host summer camps and attend birthday parties.
Each of the Science Guys has a different background. For instance, Trehy’s main Science Guy is an I.T. expert, while others are scientists from differing disciplines.
This year’s theme is “Space! A Universe of Stories,” and will include experiments about life in a space suit, rocket propulsion, centrifugal force, planets and orbits.
“Don’t worry. No library books will be harmed in the performance!” Trehy laughed.
He described his team as “edutainers” whose mission is to make science fun, cool and easy for kids of all ages. Every year, the “edutainers” cater their shows around the libraries’ summer reading program themes. Last year it was geology, the year before was superheroes and this year is space.
A Science Guys’ visit lasts approximately one hour, and Trehy said there is an entire universe of content crammed into this short time, stressing just how fun and interactive a Science Guys visit is.
“Parents will enjoy it just as much as the kids,” Trehy said. “Our mission is to show kids that science isn’t hard or scary. It’s easy and fun, and we hope to inspire these kids to grow up to chemists, architects, doctors, engineers or any other type of scientist.”
“Every year we have this challenge to cater a show to these summer reading programs,” Trehy added. “We have to engage nearly 150 kids at each show, so that’s always a fun challenge as well.”
Trehy encourages all science fans, young and old, to come out to the library and see just what a Science Guys show is all about.
Other Justin Potter Library’s Summer Reading Events:
*Thursday, June 6 at 2 p.m.: Edgar Evins State Park Rangers & Animal Friends
*Thursday, June 13 at 2 p.m.: Barry Mitchell’s Aliens, Astronauts and a Turtle in Space
*Thursday, June 20 at 2 p.m.: A Universe of Stories & Activities with DPC, Board of Education and UT Extension
*Thursday, June 27 at 2 p.m.: Final Party at the DeKalb County Complex Theater: Scott Humston’s Music, Magic, and Comedy
Alexandria Library Summer Events:
*Story Time & Activities Wednesday, June 5, 12, & 19 at 2 p.m.
For more information call Justin Potter Library at 615-597-4359