History, science and bats: The Duluth Public Library is hosting a free program about the Soudan Mine 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 2 at the Main Library, 520 W. Superior St., and again 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 9 at the West Duluth Branch Library, 5830 Grand Ave.
The Soudan Mine began as an iron ore mine, but today it’s a Minnesota State Park, bat hibernacula, world-renowned particle physics lab, and national historic landmark. James Pointer, Interpretive Supervisor at Soudan Underground Mine State Park, and Al Lipke, Outreach Education Coordinator at Soudan Underground Physics Lab, will take the audience from the opening of the mine in 1882 to the current search for exotic neutrino particles and dark matter.
Pointer will share the story of the mining operations and the role the state has played in fostering other research. The mine provides a unique habitat for bats, so he will also discuss what is currently happening with the bat population.
An unexpected benefit of maintaining the underground mine is the cutting-edge research facility it now houses. Lipke will explain why the mine is the perfect location for the physics lab that takes advantage of the depth of overhead rock, low background radiation levels, and constant environmental conditions. Lipke will talk about how scientists from around the world travel 2,341 feet below the surface at the Soudan Underground Laboratory to answer questions about the universe we live in.
This program, sponsored by the Duluth Public Library and the Arrowhead Library System, was funded in part with money from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
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Go here for more information on the Soudan Mine.
Library looking for more LEGO donations
Last year the Duluth Public Library asked the community for donations of LEGOs to start a series of building programs for kids. People responded with donations of new and gently-used LEGOs, and the resulting events have been hugely popular. LEGO-building sessions have been held monthly since last summer. Now the branch libraries want to join in on the fun.
The Duluth Public Library is asking again for donations of new and gently-used LEGO and Duplo bricks, LEGO people and LEGO boards/building platforms (but not tables). Sets that are missing pieces are welcome. This is a great way to clear out some of your outgrown or unneeded toys. Please bring donations to the Main Library’s Youth Services desk or to the service desks at the Mt. Royal or West Duluth branch libraries. For more information, call Youth Services at 730-4200/option 4.
The Duluth Public Library’s LEGO program is not affiliated with nor sponsored by the LEGO Group.
