LA County Library Receives Funding from Edison International for Nature Exploration Program Series

Engaging Live Programs Will Be Offered Virtually,
with Nature Exploration Bags Available to Borrow
at Select Libraries This Summer

LA County Library has received a $20,000 grant from Edison International to develop a new virtual Nature Exploration series about the wonders of our natural world—from what we can discover in our own backyards, to what we can learn from scientists and environmental studies professionals.

With the summer months approaching, LA County Library will launch its Nature Exploration Programs, a series of live virtual events on Webex, in May; they’ll run throughout the summer.  From gardening basics to nature-related career paths, tweens and teens can stay connected to nature virtually with exploratory content offerings. Many programs feature partner presenters like the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

In addition to the virtual programs, later this summer the Library will be offering new Nature Exploration Bags for checkout at 5 library locations—City Terrace, Compton, Quartz Hill, San Fernando, and South Whittier. Developed in partnership with the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, the Bags include scientists’ tools like a magnifying glass and specimen jars, and a Field Guide of tips and tricks to help you discover animals and plants wherever you are. Bags will be able to be borrowed for 3 weeks, just like a book.

“LA County Library Foundation is delighted and grateful to longtime community partner Edison International for its grant supporting LA County Library’s exciting new Nature Exploration programs. Edison’s grant gives young people a wonderful opportunity for urban adventuring—with both live virtual programs and Nature Exploration Bags you can check out, just like a library book. The Foundation appreciates Edison’s commitment to under-resourced communities and, with virtual programming, their help bringing accessible programs to all,” said Andrea Carroll, Executive Director, LA County Library Foundation. “Our hope is that our Nature Exploration series will ignite participants’ curiosity.”

For more information regarding registration for the exploration series visit LACountyLibrary.org/Nature-Exploration.