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02/14/2024 09:35 AMThe Scranton Memorial Library has announced a new program designed to spark the imagination of kids of all ages. Leonardo’s Lab is a program focused on the life of inventor, writer, and artist Leonardo da Vinci, and library officials state it is geared toward opening imaginations and fostering creative thinking.
Head of Children’s Services Lydia Holland said the program is an interactive experience that hopes to foster critical thinking skills but also a lot of fun.
“It really is a program for all ages. We serve children from birth to sixth grade here, and so it’s generally targeted to ages three and up, but anyone can participate,” said Holland. “But everyone can find something to like and hopefully learn.”
The program opened last month and is already becoming a favorite for patrons, who find the interactive aspect of the lab intriguing. The exhibit is open during library hours and runs until May 13, according to Holland.
“It’s really a museum exhibit about the original Renaissance man, Leonardo da Vinci. Throughout his life, he was an inventor, artist, and engineer, so the exhibit allows children to explore those themes and ideas of da Vinci,” said Holland.
Among the activities that can be undertaken are creating a helicopter, solving math puzzles, trying your hand at backward writing, building bridges and towers, making your own Mona Lisa masterpiece, and more, said Holland.
Scranton Director Allison Murphy said the exhibit is in keeping with Scranton’s commitment to high-quality free programming for the community.
“The exhibit looks like it was meant to be here, and we are really excited about presenting this,” said Murphy. “This will be here nights [and] weekends, so parents who are working can get here and take advantage of this opportunity.”
The exhibit was mounted via a partnership with the Ithaca Sciencenter, and a generous grant from the Robert F. Schumann Foundation.
“We are very lucky to have the support of the Robert F. Schumann Foundation; they provided us a grant for this…they are amazing to work with. Not everyone can afford the price of a museum or even the cost to travel to one, so this is a great, free way for families to enjoy a museum experience, and is a real priority for us,” Holland said.
For more information, email the Children’s Department at childrens@scrantonlibrary.org or call 203-245-8722.