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Mobius reopens in temporary home inside downtown library

Karolina Flanagan, 6, and her sister, Nora, 4, watch paper cups fly into the air after being launched by a fan at the Airheads display Wednesday during the opening of the Mobius Science Center in the Spokane Public Library in downtown Spokane. (Dan Pelle)
Karolina Flanagan, 6, and her sister, Nora, 4, watch paper cups fly into the air after being launched by a fan at the Airheads display Wednesday during the opening of the Mobius Science Center in the Spokane Public Library in downtown Spokane. (Dan Pelle)Buy a print of this photo
By Jody Lawrence-Turner jodyl@spokesman.com(509) 459-5593

Youthful yelps of delight and discovery echoed from Spokane Public Library’s third floor Wednesday as children explored Mobius Science Center’s exhibits in its new, temporary location.

The uncommon library sounds are a welcome interlude.

“We found it was a perfect opportunity for Mobius to be visible,” said Eva Silverstone, the library’s communications manager. “It’s really ideal.”

She added that partnership was attractive to library officials because they have been looking to increase exposure for young people to concepts and opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math.

Mobius reopened in the downtown library this week after moving from its space across from River Park Square. The museum occupies a 4,000-square-foot space on the third floor while its permanent spot in the Washington Water Power building across from Riverfront Park is renovated. Mobius hopes to move to that location in the fall.

“We needed a home and the library was kind enough to try this experience,” said Phil Lindsey, CEO of Mobius Spokane. “It’s the first time we know of nationally that an entire science center has been absorbed into a library.”

Mayor David Condon called the collaboration “revolutionizing” for the library at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday, and a great way to bring science onto center stage.

About 75 percent of the science center’s exhibits made it to the library, including the virtual autopsy, electronic microscope, bridge builder, air cannon, electric circuit, balance beam, laser lights, 3D mirror illusion, magnetic table and momentum table, along with several reptiles.

Science is 11-year-old Makkinen Tokarz’s favorite subject.

“I liked the air thing,” she said. “You spin it and your hair is supposed to stand up.”

Grandmother Sharon Anderson brought her two grandchildren to the library. May Ugaldea, 6, and her brother, Ash, visited Mobius Kids in River Park Square mall’s basement, and wanted to try the museum for “older kids.”

Anderson thinks the collaboration between Mobius and Spokane was a great idea.

“I bet Mobius will have a lot more exposure, and it will get a lot more kids into the library.”