Boardman library showcases new addtions, renovations at today's open house

BOARDMAN

Nine-month-old Rowan Hartup is too young to understand and appreciate how a myriad of children’s activities and exhibits in the Boardman branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County can enhance developing critical-thinking skills and one’s imagination.

But it’s likely a safe bet that those valuable learning tools could receive a jumpstart as he gets older, thanks to the new offerings.

“The kids will continue to grow into and enjoy the finer touches and educational components,” said Rowan’s mother, Mollie Hartup of Youngstown, also referring to her 2-year-old son, Caden.

Mollie, her two children and husband, Bret Hartup, were among those who came to Saturday’s open house at the library, 7680 Glenwood Ave., which was largely to showcase the series of renovations and additions to the 23-year-old facility that began in June 2015.

The $916,569 project included new interactive indoor and outdoor early learning spaces; science, technology, engineering, art and math educational exhibits with complementary hands-on displays; another public meeting area; a Business and Training Room; and an adult terrace.

“It’s so well done, so well thought out,” said Mollie, after Caden had examined an acorn, a leaf and a seashell under one of four small microscopes built into a table containing activities designed to enhance associations between words and objects.

Read more about the project in Sunday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.