By Patrick Hedlund
DNAinfo News Editor
LOWER EAST SIDE — A pair of LEGO replicas of the New York Public Library's iconic lion sculptures roared onto the Lower East Side Thursday to help kick off a summer reading program.
The so-called "LEGO Lions" — unveiled by the NYPL last month to celebrate the centennial of the landmark Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street — made a pit stop at the Seward Park Library for the day-long event.
Artist Nathan Sawaya reproduced the century-old statues, named Patience and Fortitude, to exactly half the size of the original 10 1/2-foot long lions using a total of 120,000 gray LEGO bricks.
Kids and parents alike stopped Thursday in front of the library at 192 East Broadway, near Canal Street, to gawk at the recreations, with some youngsters even sitting astride the sculptures.
"Obviously it's incredible to see such copies of the lions," said Patricia DeCerto, 40, who was with her 4-year-old son. "They're so majestic looking. To me, they're a symbol of New York."
Many stopped to snap cell phone pictures of the LEGO reproductions, pausing to marvel at the intricate detail.
"It's very ambitious, and very simple," said Gopi Priya Devi Dasi, 62, a nanny who came with two young children in tow. "It's a great architect who made this piece. It's really something."
Some parents liked seeing the playful side of the enduring symbols of New York.
"I think the kids think it's fun," added Christina C., 41, a local mom. "It's a recognizable toy to them, so it's fun to see them built like this."
Unfortunately for Lower East Siders, the lions were set to return to their home inside the Schwarzman Building after the event.
