Punch and Judy shows have been entertaining crowds with their high-energy wit and slapstick for nearly 35 years, and East County will soon get to see why.

Professor Brian Patterson is bringing his Piccolo Puppet Players to the Brentwood Community Center (next door to the library) Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 4 p.m. for a free 45-minute show sponsored by the Friends of the Brentwood Library.

The event is tailored to kids in grades K through six, but younger children are welcome if accompanied by an adult. No strollers, please. The Piccolo Puppet Players have entertained Californians for 18 years in such venues as Renaissance fairs, libraries even the Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco.

September is National Literacy Month. Celebrate by getting a new library card or borrowing a book to share with someone special. The Brentwood Library is located at 751 Third St., next to Liberty High School. For more information, call 925-634-4101 or visit www.ccclib.org.