Dufferin’s three libraries have collaborated in producing March Break programs designed to more than just keep the kids occupied.

On Monday at 2 p.m., Shelburne’s Grace Tipling Hall will be the scene as the kids will enjoy the Join Hands Puppeteers’ presentation of Capt’n Matt’s Treasure Chest.. The same show will be presented Tuesday at 10 a.m. in the Grand Valley Community Centre, and at 2 p.m. at Orangeville’s École élémentaire des Quatres Rivières (the former Springbrook Public School).

Capt’n Matt’s Treasure Hunt is described as “a fun, interactive one-man puppet show in which the audience helps to track down the elusive pirate Stink Beard who has stolen the treasure.”

The theme of the show is books and reading. The

treasure” is the captain’s giant magic storybook, which is found after a musical adventure to different islands; meeting many comical characters. The show runs one hour, promising laughter, music, and audience participation.

On Tuesday at 2, Grace Tipling hall will host Smudge Fundaes. That show will be on again Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Grand Valley Community Centre and at 1:30 p.m. in École élémentaire des Quatres Rivières.

The show was the 2008 Canadian Children’s Group of the Year, and 2008, the 2009 Niagara Music Awards Best Children’s Group and 2008 TVCOGECO Star Awards Winner.

Described as “captivating”, “sheer entertainment”, “the elite of children’s performers”, Suzanne Nicks and Sandie Thomson make up the “delicious” duo as The Smudge Fundaes. Canadian musicians Suzanne and Sandie combine their talents, wit and ‘kid-intuition’ to deliver “smudge-ilicious” music.

On Thursday at 11 a.m., the Grand Valley Community Centre will host the Indian River Reptile Zoo, Canada’s only accredited and largest reptile zoo. The show will be repeated at 1:30 p.m. in École élémentaire des Quatres Rivières and Friday at 11 a.m. in Shelburne Public Library.

Tickets to the shows are $3.00 each. Check with your local library for discounts when you purchase more than one show: Grand Valley, 928-5622; Shelburne , 519-925-2168; Orangeville: 941-0610 (ext. 230)