Detroit, Mich., June 5, 2023– The Michigan Science Center and Detroit Public Library are excited to announce their partnership to promote playful learning for children through a public event on Saturday, June 24 from 1-4 p.m. at the Detroit Public Library Main Library on Woodward Avenue in Midtown Detroit.
Playful learning is championed by the LEGO Group through their Playful Learning Museum Network where museums are supported in providing quality learning through play opportunities to children and their families in partnership with community-based organizations.
“The Michigan Science Center has been a participant in the LEGO Playful Learning Museum Network for two years. As part of our continuation in the Network, we are excited to pilot programs with the Detroit Public Library as part of their summer reading initiative in the hopes of bringing this partnership to more libraries across the state of Michigan in the coming year,” said Dr. Christian Greer, President & CEO of the Michigan Science Center.
The event will include LEGO “Build the Change” challenges facilitated by Mi-Sci Educators, a table to sign up for Detroit Public Library’s summer reading program, and interactive pop-up displays by Detroit Hives, Gro-town, and Detroit Dirt. There will also be a range of activities and games, including face painting, a giant chess set, Connect Four, inflatable obstacle courses, a photobooth, and an ice cream truck to keep everyone cool and satisfied.
Later this summer, Detroit Public Library branches will host their own events to encourage summer reading.
This event is free and open to residents of the City of Detroit. For more information, visit the Michigan Science Center’s website at www.mi-sci.org.
About the Michigan Science Center
The Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci) is a Smithsonian affiliate that inspires nearly 250,000 curious minds of all ages every year through STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) discovery, innovation and interactive education in Detroit and across Michigan. As a STEM hub, Mi-Sci focuses on developing and introducing expanded education programs, exhibits and initiatives to empower and enrich our children and community. Through our Traveling Science Program and distance learning initiative, ECHO, we are expanding beyond our Detroit-based facility, with a goal of reaching all 83 counties of Michigan. With the Toyota Engineering 4D Theater, live science demonstrations, lab activities and 220+ interactive exhibits, there are dozens of ways to customize your Mi-Sci visit. The Michigan Science Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and does not receive funding from Detroit or the state of Michigan. For more information, please call 313.577.8400 or visit the website, Mi-Sci.org.
About the Detroit Public Library
The Detroit Public Library (DPL) is the largest public library system in the state of Michigan. The Main Library and its neighborhood branches make it one of the most valuable and accessible public institutions in the state. On a daily basis, our libraries assist hundreds of Detroiters by providing computer and internet access, supporting residents who want to improve their literacy skills or who are seeking employment, and by offering quality fun and educational programs and activities for children, teens, adults and seniors.
About the LEGO Playful Learning Museum Network
In 2021, the LEGO Group, in partnership with LEGO Foundation, established the LEGO Playful Learning Museum Network (LPLMN) to strengthen learning through play opportunities with museums across the country. The partnership supported the museums with their community outreach programs as they began to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, and built a community of practice to share best practice and disseminate learnings. Currently the Network includes 16 museums that focus on: Exposing and inspiring millions of children and adults with learning through play experiences and supporting partners to further integrate learning through play into their programs, initiatives and activities; Engaging underserved children through deep partnerships with community organizations or schools; Empowering museum staff with networking, learning and sharing opportunities via the network.