Wareham children got a taste of the magic that comes from reading when Ed the Wizard visited the Wareham Free Library.

Ed's Saturday morning performance celebrated the imagination and education that books can foster in children, as well as the importance of parents reading to their young ones.

"It was a good audience, a good mix of all ages," said Library Director Denise Medeiros.

The show was the kickoff event for the Library's "Wareham Reads" program, which will end on April 16 with a performance by local storyteller Jackson Gillman.

Dozens of kids watched and interacted with the Wizard as he performed magic tricks with cards, handkerchiefs and mystical boxes. Ed also incorporated many classic children's books and authors, such as Dr. Seuss, Maurice Sendak and J.K.Rowling into his performance, all aimed at opening up children's minds to the joy and wonder of reading.

"I thought it was a wonderful way to kick off the literacy program," said Marcia Hickey, Wareham librarian. "It was something special, something the kids will remember."

Another program the library started Saturday in conjunction with Wareham Reads is "1,000 Books Before Kindergarten." The goal is self-explanatory: to expose a child 1,000 books by parents, teachers, siblings, etc., by the time he or she reaches kindergarten.

Hickey said 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a nationwide program that promotes parents reading with their children.

Starting Saturday, children and parents will be able to take part in the free program and keep track of all the books they read. Kids will receive little rewards like certificates and stickers at milestones along the way. They will also have the opportunity to post personal decorations at the library when they reach a certain number of books.

"We want to do whatever we can to get kids reading," Hickey said.