KIDS SHOCKED BY ELECTRICITY EXHIBIT
Jefferson County Library literacy program, Knott's Kids, features Denver Museum of Nature & Science's Ben Franklin Tercentenary
WHO: Jefferson County Public Library and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science join forces to teach kids the power of ingenuity and electricity and to celebrate the 300th-year anniversary of Benjamin Franklin's birth.
WHAT: To commemorate the accomplishments of long-time county librarian, Bill Knott, the Jefferson County Library created Knott's Kids, an interactive children's literacy program that brings the best of Denver's cultural institutions to underprivileged children ages 5 - 12.
To kick off the unique program, Jefferson County Public Library is collaborating with the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Each of 10 county libraries is hosting a free lively program and a traveling interactive display tied to the Museum's "Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World" exhibition (March 2 - May 20, 2007).
WHEN:
Wednesday, March 14, 7 p.m., Arvada Library, 7525 W. 57th Avenue, Arvada
Saturday, March 31, 1 p.m., Belmar Library, 555 S. Allison Parkway, Lakewood
Thursday, April 5, 4 p.m., Edgewater Library, 5843 W. 25th Ave., Edgewater
Thursday, April 5, 6:30 p.m., Golden Library, 1019 Tenth St., Golden
Tuesday, April 10, 4 p.m., Wheat Ridge Library, 5475 W. 32nd Ave., Wheat Ridge
Saturday, May 5, 1 p.m., Standley Lake Library, 8485 Kipling St., Arvada
Wednesday, May 16, 6 and 7 p.m., Columbine Library, 7706 W. Bowles Ave., Littleton
Tuesday, May 22, 7 p.m., Lakewood Library 10200 W. 20th Ave., Lakewood
WHERE: Add directions individually.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: At each of Jefferson County Library's 10 locations, gleeful children will channel Benjamin Franklin making their own electricity with an electron generator. Captain Vic, a local teacher and performer, will treat children 5 and older to a hands-on demonstration and lead the experiments.
An interactive display will remain in each of the libraries for a week, allowing children to experience Benjamin Franklin's many contributions.
BACKGROUND: Denver is one of only five U.S. cities to experience the exhibition, and the only city to present the traveling exhibits along with the Jefferson County Public Library. The Denver Museum of Nature and Science exhibition is presented by the Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary and supported by a lead gift of $4 million from The Pew Charitable Trusts.
Knott's Kids is a program of the Jefferson County Library and funded through private donations. Other program partners include Dinosaur Ridge, Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum, Railroad Museum, Museo de las Americas and the Hiwan Homestead.
In addition to interactive displays and programs in the libraries and at various after school programs, Knott's Kids will fund "Project Bookpack," a program that will bring backpacks filled with children's books to area homeless shelters and safe houses throughout Jefferson County. More information can be found at http://jefferson.lib.co.us.
CONTACTS: Tracy Aiello, JohnstonWells Public Relations, 303-623-3366, taiello@johnstonwells.com or Sabrina Hall, Jefferson County Public Library, 303-275-2212, shall@jefferson.lib.co.us.
For more information, please contact: