Magician Robert Austin Reappears at Mineola Library

They say that there’s a certain magic in books, but Robert Austin took the association very literally last week when the magician performed at the Mineola Library for some teens and their parents.

Austin, whose love for magic stemmed from the pages of library books, began performing as a magician 25 years ago, commanding a fan-base ever since.

“He has a following,” said Joe B., a devoted fan who traveled to from Queens to see the magician once again and to volunteer for one of his favorite tricks: sawing a man in half.

Austin captivated first-time audience members of all ages with his witty, high-energy routine, leaving many mouths of the younger attendees’ mouths agape.

Austin made doves and rabbits appear from thin air and burned an audience member’s $50 bill only to have it reappear elsewhere on stage.

He also awed 6 year old Bethany Schatz with his levitation routine in which a brave young audience member floated above the stage.

“It was very cool,” Schatz said after the show, “I wish I could fly like that!”

It was a common appreciation amongst parents for free event, which left many children rolling on the floor with laughter throughout the hour-long spectacle.

“This was a very good (show),” said Mineola resident Liz Schatz, who attends many events at the library with her daughter.

Although Austin and his wife/assistant, Linda, enchant audiences from around the world with their performances, the Austins are no strangers to the Mineola community.

“We did at the in front of 500 students,” said the magician. “They really welcomed us.”

Several members of the audience members still were not satiated after his final act and stayed to commend the magician on his performance.

“There is nothing like the audience,” he said, delighted in the response.