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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Let Them Learn By Touch

Lynn Gibson Correspondent

“Please do touch” will ring throughout the rooms of the Children’s Museum of Spokane when it opens its doors in late 1997, providing a place for discovery, exploration and laughter.

As a member of the board of directors, I am working with a group of energetic men and women to ensure the Children’s Museum becomes a reality in Spokane as it has in Bellingham, Kennewick, Seattle, Portland and several other Pacific Northwest communities.

According to our mission statement, the goal of the museum is “to stimulate the intellectual and creative potential of children by providing an interactive environment for learning.”

The interactive environment occurs through hands-on exhibits focusing on arts, history, cultures, literature and music.

Kids, ages birth to 10 (along with their families and educators) will have the opportunity to play musical instruments, create art projects, learn about local Native American cultures, explore mazes and mountains, dress up in costumes and more.

Incorporated in May 1995, the non-profit organization has recently received its tax-exempt status. We are now searching for a museum site in downtown Spokane.

Museum founding memberships are available for $25 per individual; $35 per family, which grants you these privileges:

Free admission to the museum for one year from the opening date.

A guaranteed fixed annual membership for five years.

A personalized ceramic tile installed in the museum.

Free admission to reciprocal Northwest children’s museums after doors open.

Subscription to the quarterly newsletter.

Preregistration for museum events.

Ten percent discount on museum store purchases.

Four guest passes.

Children’s Museum of Spokane bumper sticker.

To become a founding member, send a check payable to: Children’s Museum of Spokane, P.O. Box 461, Spokane, WA 99201. Include your name, address and phone number. If you would like to get involved, please call (509) 624-0435.

Puppets galore: Help celebrate National Library Week with the Ivy Vine Players, an ensemble of more than 75 puppets brought to life by internationally acclaimed puppeteer Grian MacGregor.

Through stories and songs, MacGregor captures the imaginations of children and adults in performances offered at all Spokane Public Library branches this week.

The free puppet shows begin at 7 p.m. today at the Hillyard branch; Tuesday at the South Hill branch; Wednesday at the East Side branch and Thursday at the Shadle branch.

On Friday, the performance is at 10 a.m. at the downtown library.

Kudos to the program sponsors: Success By 6, Spokane Literacy Coalition and Friends of Spokane Public Library.

For more information, call (509) 626-5331.

, DataTimes MEMO: The Family Track is a weekly column of notes and information for families. Send items to Lynn Gibson, Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210-1615, or fax (509) 459-5098.

The Family Track is a weekly column of notes and information for families. Send items to Lynn Gibson, Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210-1615, or fax (509) 459-5098.