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Last week, over 65 representatives from state and local libraries, industry & government came together to celebrate the official ribbon cutting of HCPL's Project LEAP (Learn, Explore & Play): Science is Fun! Guest speakers included our library director, Audra Caplan, Harford County Executive David Craig, Maryland State Department of Education, Assistant State Superintendent of Libraries (and former HCPL Library Director), Irene Padilla, and VP for Strategic Planning and Business Development Battelle Eastern Science & Technology Center Warren Mullins.

LEAP is an innovative science enrichment program for children and youth in grades 3-8, currently based at the Edgewood Branch. Introducing different science themes through programs led by scientists and engineers along with take-home science oriented kits, LEAP encourages children and teens to take a renewed interest in science. This mini-science center was made possible through a grant from the Institute of Museum & Library Services (IMLS) and the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Division of Library Development and Services (DLDS).

Labels: Battelle, IMLS, innovative programs, irene padilla, LEAP, science