Eureka moments will continue at the Avon Lake Public Library as the DiscoveryWorks center undergoes a major renovation in 2024.
Built in 1995, the hands-on learning environment has become a destination for Ohioans and a jewel in the crown of the Avon Lake Public Library, said Communications Manager Shea Altmont.
DiscoveryWorks draws more than 30,000 visitors annually.
“People come from up to an hour away,” Altmont said. “They’re learning while they’re enjoying themselves.
“Everything is really hands-on, and the kids love it.”
Local students also visit the center regularly, taking advantage of the lab and classroom space.
Staffed by educators – some of whom grew up visiting the center – DiscoveryWorks includes exhibits on rocks and minerals, a garden area, musical instruments and much more.
The more than 100 exhibits vary in size, and most will be reimagined in the renovations scheduled for the spring and summer months.
“We’re going to take it to the next level and make it an even more dynamic experience for kids and caregivers,” Altmont said.
The rocks and minerals display will be expanded into a walk-thru cave that shows glowing rocks and the layers of the Earth.
Other displays will be augmented with local landmarks.
“We’re going to be pulling in a lot of elements of things you either find in Avon Lake or that are inspired by Avon Lake,” Altmont said.
Just a block from Lake Erie, the new space also will include a wall devoted to Lake Erie life, which will show the natural environment.
Children will be able to draw their own fish and see them appear in the exhibit.
The renovations involve using the roughly 3,000 square feet of space more efficiently rather than adding on to the building, Altmont said.
Seating will also be added, and the hours of the center expanded, she added.
The popular Pipes of Pan — and several other well-loved exhibits originally built by the educators — will be enlarged as well.
Renovations will take place over the summer months while the center’s educators provide alternative outdoor activities on a limited schedule.
Take-home science kits and brown bag projects will continue to be offered.
DiscoveryWorks will reopen in the fall.
Patrons can get involved in the renovation by supporting the Initiative for Innovation Campaign.
Details on exhibit sponsorship and other giving opportunities can be found at alpl.org/discovery.
Altmont said the library is preparing for the upcoming solar eclipse in a strong partnership with the city.
The center line of totality of the April 8 eclipse is projected to align with Avon Lake’s Center Street.
Eclipse information and education are being incorporated into all types of library programming from story time to how to safely photograph the event.
Many events will offer free pairs of glasses for safely viewing the eclipse which is expected to draw thousands to the area.
On Feb. 15, the Dark Skies, Bright Kids Eclipse Program will include speakers from NASA and the Hoover Price Planetarium in Canton as well as door prizes and plenty of activities for youngsters, Altmont said.
“Our big push is to educate, educate, educate and make sure people view the eclipse safely,” she added.
Other offerings at the Avon Lake Public Library include an extensive lending library of non-book items.
The library particularly is proud of its music program which allows patrons to check out guitars and ukeleles and offers a program of lessons and jam sessions.
The library also lends bicycles, hotspots, Rokus and a variety of older technology such as VHS and cassette players.
It even has traffic cones for helping teens practice for their driving tests, Altmont said.
Avon Lake Public Library works to promote other area organizations as well as its own innovative offerings, which include a beach glass class taught by Altmont.
“We’re constantly thinking about how to serve our visitors better,” she said. “We kind of pride ourselves on not being a typical library.
“We love that we’re the place for learning and where people can find out what’s going on.”
