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Social Library goes wild

Library wildlife education programs

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Group of children gently petting a small hedgehog

For this edition of the Social Library, we’re exploring how libraries are bringing nature indoors for their community members through wildlife education programs. Through hands-on activities, expert talks, and interactive displays, libraries are helping inspire curiosity and appreciation for the animals that share our environment. If you'd like your library to be featured in an upcoming edition of the Social Library, let us know via [email protected] or find us on Facebook. 

Native animals

  • Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library (Ohio) recently hosted a Wolves at the Library program. Educators from the Ohio Canid Center visited the library to help participants learn about wolf conservation and coexistence, and have a chance to meet some wolves. Photos from several recent community programs were shared on their Facebook page.
  • Clifton Public Library (Kansas) teamed up with the Milford County Nature Center for a children’s program about native animals.
  • Warren Public Library (Vermont) partnered with the Vermont Museum of Natural History for the Whoo’s That? event as part of the library’s summer reading program. Kids were invited to meet native wildlife up close and learn how to observe and identify them using field guides available at the library.
  • Chesterfield Township Library (Michigan) and the Wildlife Recovery Association brought in birds of prey for community members to meet.

Exotic animal conservation and rescue

Woman showing a snake to a group of children sitting at a picnic table in a shelter house

Marine animals

  • Altadena Library District (California) brought the ocean to their library with the Aquarium of the Pacific’s Aquarium on Wheels program, offering kids the chance to learn about common tidepool animals.
  • Shark Week is a popular programming opportunity for libraries, including Bridgewater Public Library (Massachusetts). Event participants had the chance to discover facts and information about sharks, create shark-themed crafts, and do a fossil-hunting activity.
  • San Diego County Library at Del Mar and the local Sierra Club offered an Explore the Shore program, where elementary-aged children could learn about animals of the nearby La Jolla Shores.

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