'Extreme Deep' opens at Gail Borden March 16
People are invited to swim with the jellyfish as deep water has enveloped the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. in Elgin.
Swimming with the jellyfish is offered to visitors as a virtual photo op while the "Extreme Deep: Mission to the Abyss" exhibit is an engaging, interactive experience that will offer hours of learning fun through Aug. 13. It is free and open to all when the library is open.
"Extreme Deep: Mission to the Abyss" offers opportunities for hands-on exploration of life at the bottom of the sea.
Presented by Evergreen Exhibitions in collaboration with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, "Extreme Deep" is an interactive exhibit that highlights the adventure of deep-sea exploration and discovery. It depicts the mysteries of the ocean's greatest depths.
Newly discovered life-forms, thermal vents, close-up views of deep-sea research submersibles, and shipwrecks, including the Titanic, are among the attractions in this deep-sea adventure.
Visitors will observe firsthand the technology that has allowed men and women to travel to the ocean floor. Visitors can fly a remotely operated vehicle over a model of the Titanic's deck. They can also test their skill at manipulating Alvin's robotic arm by picking up lava rocks and clams from the sea floor while peering through a recreation of Alvin's four-inch view port window.
With the main library being located on the shore of the Fox River, the library will also highlight the nature, recreation, conservation and history of the river. A fishing boat and several river fishes are on loan from Cabelas in Hoffman Estates.
Children can "dive" into dramatic play in the boat with toy fishing poles, vests, compasses and, of course, books. There will even be a beaver den for young explorers to crawl into, as well as other interactives.
During the month of April, a photo display will highlight "The Fox," Jim Phillips of Oswego, who was instrumental in bringing awareness to the need for a clean Fox River. His activities in support of clean water were covered worldwide. Other themes will feature the history of the Fox River and water safety.
"We are already seeing children working the robotic arm and flying the camera over the model of the Titanic," said Carole Medal, executive director of the Gail Borden Public Library District. "We hope to attract many explorers of all ages to the library so they can engage, learn and read."
The grand opening will be 4 to 5 p.m. Friday, March 16, in the main library lobby at Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. in Elgin.
People will be able to explore the exhibit, submerge themselves in photo-ops, go fishing to win prizes and more.
For details on the exhibit and programs, visit gailborden.info/deep.
The main library hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
They wish to thank the Gail Borden Public Library District Foundation, the EFS Foundation and the KCT Credit Union for sponsoring "Extreme Deep."