Documentary on the Voice of Elmo Features Catonsville Library

Longtime Baltimore-area residents probably know that the voice of the puppet Elmo is that of Dundalk native Kevin Clash.

They may have even met Clash or seen him perform as the famous puppet on Sesame Street, as Clash still makes many appearances in the area.

But what people may not know is that Catonsville plays a role in the documentary film on Kevin Clash called "Being Elmo" that was released in theaters recently. The film has received numerous film festival awards and is showing at the Charles Theater in Baltimore through Thursday.

Clash, attended Catonsville High School, still has family in the Baltimore area. 

In April of 2007, the Catonsville Library hosted Clash for what was supposed to be a chance for Clash to talk about the autobiography he had just written.

The Friends of the Catonsville Library and library staff had reached out to Clash, who agreed to come.

What happened on that day was more than anyone expected, as the library was mobbed with hundreds of people who wanted to see Elmo.

Sue Fridich and Miky Segall were working that day and recalled the swarms of people who seemed to come from all over. They said they remember a busload of people arriving from New York.

People arrived hours before the event and many were not able to get into the meeting room, which holds 170 people. When Clash saw the crowds, he agreed to stay over the allotted time and meet people individually as they cycled through the room. The library in fact stayed open after hours to let all the visitors meet Elmo in person.

"It was fantastic," said Segall, who recalled having to stand guard at the meeting room door to keep people in line. Despite the wait, people were excited to see Elmo and Clash was delighted to see them.

"He was an amazing gentleman," she said.

What library staff didn't know is that the film crew included some of the footage of the library event in the documentary. It can be seen briefly in the film trailer here.

Fridrich said the event was likely the largest event in the history of the library branch. What also surprised her was how gracious Clash was and grateful to all the parents and children.

"He ended up spending the whole day being Elmo," she said. "I don't think he got to talk about his book at all."

Earlier this year, Clash made a visit to Catonsville High School to meet with a small group of parents and children. You can watch the video .