So silly, so scientific

It was the Mad Professor meets dozens of children at the Newport Coast Community Center on Tuesday, as part of the celebration of National Library Week.

Ric Morton, a.k.a. Professor Wisenheimer, traveled from Gardena to deliver a special science performance called “The Silly Science Show.”

And the more than 50 children from Newport Beach erupted into laughter every time the professor opened his mouth, let alone showed them the tricks of the trade.

He showed the children certain aspects behind scientific principles, whether it was electric shock brought on by static or the force of gravity by turning water filled test tubes upside down.

Norton’s show was the latest in a series scheduled to honor Library Week. And it couldn’t have been done were it not for the Newport Beach Public Library.

City Manager Dave Kiff kicked off the weeklong celebration. On Monday night, he served as host at the Pajama Storytime by reading to dozens of kids at the library.

At 2:30 p.m. today, there will be Annie Banannie’s Reading Adventure Balloon Show at the Balboa Branch Library.

And at 4 p.m. Thursday, there will be the Mighty Rainforest with live animals from the Wildlife Company — all taking place at the Corona del Mar Branch Library.

For more information on the events, call (949) 717-3800, option No. 2. Or, go to www.newportbeachlibrary.org.

— Tom Ragan