LLNL combines art and science to inspire young Livermore Library visitors

Visitors of the Livermore Library will spot an update to the youth room: new posters designed by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). The display, focused on the Lab’s four mission areas, aims to drive interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics at a young age. It highlights work done in each of LLNL’s principal associate directorates.

LLNL first partnered with the library to design science-themed posters 20 years ago. The latest poster revamp was inspired by LLNL’s recent creation of a children’s book, “Where the Science Things Are,” which also is freely available at the library. In the book, and in the posters, characters explore the history of the Lab and the impact of its innovation.

“I think the Lab being in Livermore already makes our community super interested in science, and that’s something we [at the library] notice all the time,” said Nathan Brumley, assistant library services director. “These fun, vibrant posters bring youthful energy to the room, but they’re also bringing education pieces as well. They get children to think about STEM while also seeing fun characters on the walls.”

Amanda Levasseur, LLNL designer, created the posters and illustrated the children’s book, which was written by Lanie Helms, Strategic Deterrence communications manager.

Levasseur initially designed the characters by sketching them with pencil, then photographed them to create digital versions. Once digitized, she integrated the characters with historical LLNL images to make a cohesive story.

"My vision for these posters is to inspire children to explore both the sciences and arts,” Levasseur said. “Although I may not be a scientist myself, I am committed to supporting the talented scientists at LLNL through visual communication. I want children to know there is a diverse range of career opportunities at the Lab they can aspire to.”

The posters will be on display for the foreseeable future.

“People are still discovering that new posters are here,” Brumley said. “That’s part of the fun of coming to the library: the discovery of finding something new.”