'Tis the season for witches flying through the air, jack-o'-lanterns flickering in the night - and a rabbit being wrung out and flattened through a washing machine's ringers?

The last one might not make sense if you weren't one of the nearly 100 children and adults who packed into the auditorium at the East Millcreek Library on Oct. 17. In this case, a soft white rabbit was placed in a small black washing machine-type box, then made to look as if it was being rolled out between two ringers.

As part of the many Salt Lake County Library Halloween shows he does throughout the valley this month, professional magician Jim Williams invites children to participate in one of his many disappearing acts and other tricks, including one where he threatened to cut off a boy's arm, complete with a bucket underneath to catch it. Children laughed and clapped in response to Williams' jovial approach to spook-filled magic.

“I thought it was great; especially the bunny,” said Emma Butterfield, who watched Williams work his magic.

Williams is a longtime magician, taking up the craft years ago while a student in the sixth grade. He remembers putting on magic shows in high school. Later, he continued to perfect his magic act while serving in the Air Force.

His always wanted to be a full-time magician, but his career in another profession dictated otherwise. It wasn't until he retired in 2001, that he could fulfil that goal. He now performs at private parties, library functions and at other events across Utah and on the West Coast.

“October and December are my busiest months,” Williams says.

Williams' favorite trick is "The Bill in Lemon." It involves getting a dollar bill from an audience member and, through some sleight of hand, making it disappear and reappear inside a lemon that has been cut in half.

“People love that one,” Williams says.

The Salt Lake County Library System schedules Halloween magic shows