June 4, 2019 – The Manheim Township Public Library will hold a special ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of their new “Children’s Discovery Patio.”  The public is invited to attend the event that will take place on Saturday, June 22, 12:00 noon at the Library, 595 Granite Run Drive, Lancaster.  Various donors for the new resource will assist in officiating the grand opening.

The addition of a fence along the patio outside the Children’s Library make it an ideal location for a Children’s Discovery Patio.  This is a space for families to explore nature through hands-on activities.  The Children’s Discovery Patio will have various equipment and materials that allow children to explore and learn about their natural surroundings.  For example, children can use a large installed magnifying glass to view leaves and other objects.  There is a sorting table where children learn to sort items based on size, shape, or color, for example.  Additionally, the library will include a picnic table and places for parents to sit and watch their children.

Library Director Joyce Sands, who is very enthusiastic about the project, states, “To make our library even more exciting for the children, we want to offer programs and learning opportunities not only inside the library – but outside too!”

Youth librarians are developing “Discovery Boxes and Nature Explorer Bags” with learning materials that can be brought out to the patio to support children’s learning.  The boxes will contain books about nature and other programming supplies.  The bags are for the children and will contain a small magnifying glass, a bug jar, bird and insect identification books, etc. to support children’s learning about nature.

Finally, there are plans to offer some programs outdoors in the Children’s Discovery Patio in the summer and fall.  The Library has a naturalist on staff in the Library’s Youth Services Department who will be presenting these children’s programs.

Those planning to attend, please RSVP to Bonnie Young, 717-560-6441 ext. 320 or byoung@mtpl.info.