Plainsboro Public Library is challenging everyone to use the lazy hazy days of summer for lifelong learning. This year’s theme, “Nobel Dreaming Discovery,” challenges everyone to check out the schedule that includes seminars, musical workshops, and trips to museums and science laboratories. ##M:[more]##
The classes and events are centered on Nobel Prize winners in peace, science, and literature with an emphasis on invention, experimentation, and creativity. Trophies are standing by to be awarded for the annual egg dropping and Pringle packing contests, as well as the spelling bee and the Knowbel Challenge. All programs are free, but participants are encouraged to donate to Change for a Change, the fundraising campaign for a new library.
The kick-off event is the Ants in Your Pants Musical Chairs Dance on Friday, July 6, at 7 p.m. Honoring Nobel winner Richard Feynman’s ant experiments is an old-fashioned game of musical chairs with John Gross on piano. The first 50 participants receive a copy of “Cultures of Creativity,” commemorating the centennial exhibition of the Nobel Prize. The books are a gift from Merrill Lynch and the West Windsor Education Foundation.
Other special events include:
An African Dance Workshop where participants will dance to live West African drumming and learn the basic steps and body movements of traditional African dance in honor of Nobel Peace Laureate Wangari Maathai. Audrey Davis, assistant artistic director of the Iwa Lewa Heritage Dance Ensemble, presents the history, meaning and role of dance in African society. She teaches at Rutgers, Middlesex County College, Synapse Studios, the Drum and Dance Learning Center, and Inspira Dance Theater. Wednesday, July 11, 7 p.m.
Also with a focus on Maathai’s efforts in forest conservation, the library has organized a safari to Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Morris Museum, and Jockey Hollow to view history including a 200 year-old tree. It is limited to adults and children six and older. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Register. $5. Tuesday, July 17, 9 a.m.
Other trips include the David Sarnoff Library and Museum where participants will be among the first to visit the all-new exhibits featuring the life of David Sarnoff, and the revolutionary innovations of the century. Friday, July 20, 12:45 and 2:45 p.m.
Visit Princeton Plasma Physic Laboratory and tour parts of the facility. Wednesday, July 25, 12:45 and 2:45 p.m. Take a trip to Terhune Orchards to learn about trees. Picnic in Rosedale Park follows. Bring lunch. Tuesday, July 31, 10:30 a.m.
Contests include the Egg Dropping Competition. The annual competition includes creating a device to protect a raw egg when dropped onto a sheet of plywood from six feet, twelve feet, and then off the roof of the library. Rules and official kits are available at the library. Rain or shine. Register. Free. Tuesday, July 17, 7 p.m.
Spelling Bee. Match wits with your neighbors. For all ages. Thursday, July 26, 7 p.m.
Cardboard Canoe Race. Participants are given cardboard, mylar packing tape, a life preserver, a canoe paddle, a razor knife, and one hour to construct a watercraft to be paddled by one member of the team. Prizes will be awarded. Races begin when all inspections are complete. Rules are posted on website. Register. Saturday, July 28, 10 a.m. to noon.
Newspaper Chair Competition. Design and build a newspaper chair to bear the load of many books. Paper, tape, and materials are provided. Tuesday, July 31. 7 p.m.
Pringle Packing Challenge. Contestants unwrap their Pringles sent through the postal system on June 25 under the watchful eye of judges and Plainsboro postmaster. There are prizes for unbroken Pringles in the smallest package, lightest package, most innovative packaging, most artistic packaging, and the Pringle that travels the greatest distance. Thursday, August 23 p.m.
Summer activities also include the international banquet, including a pinata and door prizes, on Saturday, August 4, 6:30 p.m.
The final event returns to Feynman’s ant studies with a screening of “Antz,” an animated film featuring the voices of Woody Allen, Dan Aykroyd, Gene Hackman, and Sylvester Stallone. Friday, August 31, 8 p.m.
Plainsboro Public Library, 641 Plainsboro Road, 609-275-2897. www.lmxac.org/plainsboro.
