As a part of the summer reading program theme, “Make a Splash, Read!” the Altus Public Library is happy to announce Joann McMillan of Flying Heart Theatre will be at the library Thursday, July 15 at 2 p.m., with her production “The Biggest Mermaid,” a multi-media puppet show with marionettes, rod puppets and giant puppets. Along with the puppets, there will be lots of audience participation.

This is Joann’s first visit to the Altus Public Library so the staff is filled with anticipation and excitement about her performance. It is free and open to all in the community so let’s give Joann a warm welcome by having a huge turnout for “The Biggest Mermaid.”

Joann received her BA in drama and secondary education at the University of Delaware in 1974. Before becoming a puppeteer, she was a teacher in public, private and home schools. She was the recreation director at Arrowhead and Fountainhead Resorts in Oklahoma. She joined the Oklahoma Arts Council’s Artist-in-Residence program and their Touring Artist Roster in 1993. She is presently Artistic Director, scriptwriter, and puppeteer for Children’s Historical Resource Center, Museum of Pioneer History in Candler, OK. She also conducts bi-annual one-week camps at Lake of the Ozarks State Park. This is just a small sample of Joann’s many accomplishments.

Joann’s performance is made possible, in part, with a grant from the Oklahoma Arts Council. For more information about the program, call the library at 477-2890.