'Night of 1,000 Inventions' at Pleasant Hill Library

PLEASANT HILL -- Patrick Remer's office looks as though it's a mini science gallery. There's a compressed air rocket kit, a robotic arm and several gadgets that look like they may have come from the future.

In preparation for "Night of 1,000 Inventions," Remer, the children's librarian for the Pleasant Hill Library, has been stocking up on a variety of innovative objects which will be shown at the family event at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 14.

"That evening, the library will be transformed into an inventor's lab filled with robots, rockets and remote-controlled sharks," said Remer.

Local children submitted all kinds of innovative and whimsical ideas -- more than 1,000 -- such as robots that dance and make dinner -- to an Idea Box located at the Pleasant Hill Library. Every idea is posted to the Idea Box website at http://guides.ccclib.org/ideabox.

"Night of 1,000 Inventions," was inspired by the children's ideas, Remer said.

The Pleasant Hill Library is the only one in the county hosting this type of event which will also feature innovations like smart cars, solar-powered insects, marble machines and a keyboard to dance on, he said.

Kids will have the opportunity to create an invention during the event.

"At the end of the summer, we'll look at how schools and other local venues can replicate this type of event," Remer said. "We don't often ask kids what they want and having this

"This is a way to empower kids but also a way to help us know what to offer to kids," Remer said. "Creating a connection with them is huge. The library is a destination for families and we're trying to create a culture for them, a place where families can come to share experiences together, and a place where kids have a voice."

"Night of 1,000 Inventions," also celebrates children's innovative ideas as many of the evening's activities were inspired by the suggestions they submitted, Remer said.

"It shows them there's a future in robotics and engineering. We'll celebrate their imaginations and how many of these ideas can turn into tangible things," Remer said.

The Idea Box is supported in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian, Remer said.

Children will receive a certified "Night of 1,000 Inventions" patent card for the inventions they create during the event, he said.

"When I was a kid, my parents often took me to the library," said Remer, who grew up in Pleasant Hill. "I really want to see kids have this same opportunity to visit the library where they can get hooked on science. What kid doesn't like a robot? This is a time for kids and their families to get excited and explore all the possibilities."