Questions librarians actually ask

Programs are $385 per show, with no extra charge for setup or equipment. There's no travel fee in the OKC metro area; everywhere else, travel is billed at the IRS standard mileage rate, and we always quote it upfront.

Multi-program and library-system packages available — ask when you submit your request.

Yes — purchase orders and checks are both accepted. This makes it easy to work within library budgeting systems. Payment is due after the performance, not at booking. We'll send an invoice after the show is complete.

No travel fee in the OKC metro area. Everywhere else — including Tulsa — travel is billed at the IRS standard mileage rate, always quoted upfront before you commit.

If several branches in your system book the same week, travel is consolidated across the whole weekly schedule rather than charged per show. Inquire and we'll give you a straight answer for your location.

Yes. Funky Monkey Events is listed on the Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL) performers list, which simplifies the budget approval process for Oklahoma public libraries. If you need our W-9 or tax information for your business office, just ask when you inquire.

It's a simple inquiry system — not real-time online booking. Here's how it works:

1. Submit a request using the form on this site — list your preferred show(s), dates, and any other details.

2. We review your request and respond within 24 hours with availability and a proposed schedule.

3. You confirm and we send a simple contract (for large bookings) or just a confirmation email for single shows.

There's no commitment until you say yes. Submitting a request just starts the conversation.

For summer reading programs, earlier is always better. June and early July dates often fill by February or March, especially for popular shows like the Magic Show and Bubble Show.

We're now booking summer 2027 (and taking early 2028 requests). If your preferred dates are in peak season, reach out now — we can hold a date while you finalize your budget.

Yes, and this is actually how most library systems work with us. Submit one inquiry with all your branches listed. Joe will build an efficient weekly schedule — typically two shows per day, different programs at different branches — and send it back for your review.

Tulsa City-County Library, Pioneer Library System, and Eastern Oklahoma Library System all book this way.

We understand that library programs sometimes need to be adjusted. Cancellations more than 14 days before the event are free. Cancellations within 7–14 days may be subject to a 50% fee. Cancellations within 7 days are charged in full, unless due to a weather emergency.

For Foam Party specifically, we monitor weather closely and will communicate proactively if conditions look unsafe. We always try to reschedule rather than cancel outright.

It depends on the show. The Magic Show and Bubble Show need about a 15×15 foot performance area — standard for most library meeting rooms. The workshops (Magic and Balloon) need table space for participants. Story Doodles needs a flat wall or screen for the drawing display.

The Foam Party is always outdoors and needs an open area of about 30×30 feet with outdoor electrical access. We bring everything else.

Very little. For indoor shows: a cleared performance space and a standard electrical outlet. For workshops: table seating for participants. For Story Doodles: a projector or large monitor if you have one (or a clear wall works fine).

Arrive time is 30–45 minutes before the show start time for setup. We handle all breakdown. No library staff are needed during the show — your team can be doing other things while we perform.

Yes. We bring a complete PA system for all shows. You don't need to provide any audio equipment. The system is sized appropriately for library meeting rooms and outdoor spaces up to about 200 people.

Most shows run 45–55 minutes. The Magic Show and Bubble Show are both 50 minutes including audience participation. Workshops are 60 minutes (every participant gets hands-on time). Story Doodles runs 45 minutes. The Foam Party outdoor event runs 45–60 minutes depending on group size.

Total time on-site including setup and breakdown is typically 2–2.5 hours.

Most programs work best for ages 5–12. The Magic Show, Bubble Show, and Foam Party are great for mixed-age groups up to about 200 kids. The workshops (Magic and Balloon) work best for ages 7–12 with a maximum of 40 participants for hands-on quality. Story Doodles is ideal for ages 5–10.

For younger audiences (3–5), the Bubble Show is the best fit — lots of visual wonder, gentle pace, lots of participation opportunities.

For the 2027 theme, "Mysteries Await at Your Library," we have a brand-new show built from scratch — Inspector Magic: A Silly Whodunit Mystery — and every other program has a mystery angle for 2027. See the 2027 programs page for details.

The other programs are evergreen but incorporate reading connections and educational hooks that support summer reading goals year-round. All programs can reference the CSLP theme in their framing.

Yes — back-to-back shows (one in the morning, one in the afternoon) at the same library are a great option for splitting age groups or running two different programs on the same day. This is a popular option for larger libraries.

For two shows at the same library, a modest discount is available. Mention it in your inquiry.