“When you open up a book, you never know how your life can change.”

That was juggler Brian Bruggeman’s message to the children at the Selma-Dallas County Public Library on Thursday putting during the third week of the library’s Summer of Stars summer reading program.

“Brian is a star,” said Becky Nichols, the library’s director. “This was his third year coming, and the children love him.”

Bruggeman showed off his juggling skills, which not only included balls and scarves, but plates, sticks and even peacock feathers.

Bruggeman said he has been performing across the Southeast for the past 10 years for children and adults, alike.

“When I am with the kids, I try to use a lot more humor,” said Bruggeman. “But I also try to get a lot of audience participation.”

Bruggeman allowed different kids to come up to the stage to learn how to spin plates and balance peacock feathers.

Reagan Cothran was one of the lucky ones chosen to balance the feathers.

“It was harder than I thought it would be,” said Cothran. “You had to keep it really steady, but I had fun.”

During his juggling act, Bruggeman told the audience how important it was to read.

“I want you to be excited about reading,” said Bruggeman. “And I want you to be excited about juggling.”

Bruggeman showed the children a copy of “Juggling for the Complete Klutz” by John Cassidy and B.C. Rimbeaux and explained how that book taught him to juggle.

Bruggeman said he read other books to become an even better juggler.

Nichols said the message got through to the kids.

“We don’t have enough juggling books on the shelf right now,” said Nichols. “As you can see, everyone is trying to get them.”