Libraries celebrating YoS09!

Christopher Chan , Creative Commons

Libraries are uniquely positioned to celebrate the YoS09. It is a venue that is simultaneously inviting and inspiring for people of every age and background and much of the activities that a library and its staff already host can be incorporated into the YoS09 celebration.

Here are some specific ideas and examples:

• Host a scientist to give a talk or lecture. Many educators and scientists are eager to talk to the public about their work. The library may provide the perfect place to have an informal presentation or demonstration on a science-related topic. The YoS09 is organized by a [different theme each month](hypertext to YoS themes) and your guest scientist could speak on a topic related to the month's theme. Allow time for question and answers when the scientist can interact directly with the public. Connect with [local organizations](hypertext to participant DB) (museums, zoos, parks, city government, schools, universities, etc.) to find a scientist for a presentation.

• Create a list of recommended books, videos, or articles in line with the YoS09 monthly themes. Share your themed favorites with others by to YoS09!

• Display the one-page Year of Science fact sheets in public places throughout the library. The fact sheets, available for download at www.yearofscience2009.org, give pertinent and easy-to-understand information about each theme. They also highlight additional resources for exploring the themes.

• Designate one day of the week or month a "science day." You can pull materials from your science collections, such as videos and movies, and show special screenings.

• Team-up with a local university's science majors to invite children into the library to hear about science programs, topics, and resources. You can incorporate a presentation of a science experiment or exhibit. For younger children, try a science-themed craft project. For older students, ask the university participants to talk about what it is like to be a science major. You may want to display posters or projects related to science and the YoS09 themes.

• Think creatively. Many local organizations and corporations incorporate science into dance, song, and art. Is there an event that the library can host? Is there an activity or program in which the library can participate?

• Get Involved! Reach-out to the small and large entities in your community. Is there a festival or cafe happening? Is there a lecture series in which your organization can play a part? Can you provide support and resources to school and community events? Meet COPUS participants in your area, or connect with your COPUS regional hub to find out about what others are doing and how you can participate. If your organization is not yet a member of COPUS (Coalition on the Public Understanding of Science), register now at www.copusproject.org.

• Lastly, visit the dynamic Year of Science 2009 web site often! The site showcases hundreds of events happening across the nation in celebration of science. Also, the How To Celebrate page has many great ideas and links to a program resources directory where you can discover innovative programs planned by your peers.

The connection between Year of Science and libraries is a natural one! We hope that this information is useful and we look forward to hearing about the success of your Year of Science 2009!

Register your organization now!

Submit additional suggestions at for ways a library might celebrate Year of Science 2009.