Libraries as a Vehicle to Nature?

[Janice Swaisgood]

When you think of libraries, family nature clubs might not come to mind right away, but in one community in San Diego, now they do. The South Clairemont Library offers monthly nature story times at a nature center, followed by a nature walk, led by a local “Canyoneers” naturalist guide. Our family nature club has started to attend these gatherings as one of the activities we offer each month. The program is funded by a grant called "Book to Action", and I hope there are similar programs in other cities.

Another program I recently learned about also connects libraries, literacy and nature centers. The Brenton Arboretum has this link on its page, telling about backpacks available for checkout at their local library:

http://www.thebrentonarboretum.org/backpacks.html

Does anyone else here have a similar program in their community? If not, would you be interested in such a program? I’m interested in how we might support and also benefit from such programs as families and family nature clubs. I'm also very interested in how we might be able to use tools like the backpacks to reach families we might not otherwise be able to reach. Could "nature backpacks" be a new and effective outreach tool, particularly to traditionally underserved populations?

What are your thoughts? Ideas? Suggestions?

[Suz Lipman]

Hi Everyone, I wanted to alert you to another general discussion on libraries that has been taking place in the Discussion area of the forum:

http://childrenandnature.ning.com/forum/topics/role-of-libraries-in

I hope you'll consider that one a resource and participate in the general discussion as well as this one, which is more focused on library and similar programs and their role in enhancing families' enjoyment of nature.

[Suz Lipman]

This just in.

Mobile Library Brings the Books, and Librarians, Outside

The flip side of libraries providing resources to get families outside (such as nature backpacks), this illustrates a library that brings the books themselves outside, so families and others can enjoy them in nature:

http://articles.boston.com/2012-08-10/books/33114715_1_mobile-libra...