A remarkable legacy of LEGO creations will live on in New Castle County’s libraries, thanks to the parents of the creator.
The Eric A. Swayze LEGO Collection – full of elaborate, motorized and moving models – will be introduced to the public with a tour of libraries that begins this week.
The tour starts Thursday, June 30, with a 6 p.m. ceremony at the Claymont Library at 400 Lenape Way in Claymont. Selections from the collection also will visit the Brandywine, Garfield Park, Hockessin, Kirkwood and Wilmington libraries, with all stops of the inaugural tour featuring Lego-theme activities for children.
“The county is honored to serve as the home of the Swayze LEGO Collection and share these fantastic creations with county residents for generations to come,” County Executive Thomas P. Gordon said.
The collection was donated to the county by Swayze’s parents, parents R. Bruce and Mary T. Swayze of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, after he passed away last fall. Their 38-year-old son worked for Christiana Care Health System and was an Eagle Scout and graduate of Unionville (Pennsylvania) High School who attended Delaware Technical Community College. He enjoyed creating the intricate LEGO models, such as the cargo plane built with more than 1,200 individual pieces.
Gordon said he knows losing a child is the worst experience in any parent’s life, adding, “I am extremely grateful that the Swayzes have turned their loss into something positive by sharing Eric’s passion for LEGO projects with the residents of New Castle County. It is an honor to create and promote the Eric A. Swayze collection.”
The Eric A. Swayze LEGO Collection will have its permanent home in the new Route 9 Library and Innovation Center, now under construction and expected to open next year.
The Swayzes – who plan to attend Thursday’s tour debut event -- said they are thrilled how the county will share their son’s love of the intricate models known as “LEGO Technic.”
“Building these LEGO projects brought Eric such great pleasure,” they told county officials. “Our hope is that his legacy will inspire many for years to come.”