New Opportunities for Your Library This Fall!

Here's what's happening in the Citizen and Community Science Library Network and a few easy ways to get involved.

Take Your Citizen Science Story to a Library Conference

Is your library doing something with citizen science that other librarians should know about? Let's share it!

Library network members can participate in state, regional, and national library conferences through exhibits, posters, sessions, and networking. Showcase what your library is doing, share citizen science and SciStarter resources, and invite other libraries to join the network!

We'll help make it possible. SciStarter can cover conference registration fees, provide exhibit and presentation materials, help with proposals, and work with you to prepare.

Explore the Conference Toolkit

Questions or have a conference opportunity in mind? Reach out to librarynetwork@scistarter.org

Join us September 15th

Here's How to Make Your Library a Hub for Citizen & Community Science

September 15, 2026 | 2pm ET

New to citizen science or haven't connected with the library network in a while? Join us!

We'll share practical ways to engage staff, volunteers, and audiences of all ages, including free trainings, activities, guides, citizen science kits, and ready-to-use programs you can use without starting from scratch.

You'll also get an early look at what's ahead for Citizen Science Month 2027!

An Easy Way to Introduce Citizen Science

We're excited to share a great new way to introduce volunteers, staff, and the public to citizen science!

Start with the free Foundations of Citizen Science training, walking through the module live with your audience. Crowdsource the answers to the quizzes and sample citizen science projects together.

We can give your library a unique link so participants who join SciStarter through your event will automatically earn the Foundations of Citizen Science LinkedIn-ready badge!

Want to keep going? Share the free Champion Training or the Libraries as Hubs for Citizen and Community Science training with staff and volunteers!

Explore Free Training

Citizen Science in Action at Greenwood Public Library

We love seeing libraries find creative ways to bring citizen science into their communities!

Rachel Strong of Greenwood Public Library discovered citizen science while leading her daughter’s Girl Scout troop. Now she’s bringing it to her library community through SciStarter and two circulating Try-It Kits focused on biodiversity and pollinators.

It's a great example of how one introduction to citizen science can grow into new opportunities for an entire community!

Read the Article

Upcoming Professional Development Webinars

Here's How to Make Your Library a Hub for Citizen & Community Science

Explore how libraries across the country are engaging their communities through citizen science. Learn about the program’s history, impact, and future goals—and discover ideas and inspiration to help you get started.

Bonus! Get an exclusive preview of Citizen Science Month this April, including new resources and ideas to help your library start planning early. It's never too early to prepare!

Date: Tuesday, September 15

Time: 11:00 am PT | 2:00 pm ET

Prepare for Citizen Science Month 2027

Each year, we pick a new goal, we offer new opportunities to plug in, and we celebrate you as a critical member of this community.

Date: Wednesday, October 28

Time: 12:00 pm PT | 3:00 pm ET

(Science) Mysteries Await at Your Library

In partnership with the Collaborative Summer Library Program, SciStarter will again provide resources to support your 2027 summer programming and level up your STEM offerings.

Date: Wednesday, January 27

Time: 12:00 pm PT | 3:00 pm ET

Printable Calendar of Featured Projects

See all monthly calendars at SciStarter.org/calendar.

Customize your own calendar with our Canva template.

Reminders & Resources

Help Us Support YOU:

Add your program or event to SciStarter so others can discover and join your activities.
Share your events and photos on social media using @SciStarter so we can help amplify your work throughout the year!

Project Highlight: Wicked Words

Ever struggle to read a sign, label, menu, or screen?

Wicked Words is actively looking for volunteers to help NC State researchers understand what makes everyday text easy or difficult to read.

Library users can participate by photographing everyday text and sharing their experience. Display the Wicked Words project flyer in your library to help people get started!

Learn More

Resources and Tools: Explore additional tools, guides, and program ideas through the SciStarter Library Hub here.

Visit the Library Hub

Libraries and Museums: SciStarter can train your volunteers to become citizen science champions and ambassadors for your library.

The Champion training offers free training and support for volunteers or library staff to introduce citizen science with confidence and ease.

Find free trainings here.

Stay Connected

Join the Citizen and Community Science Library Network Facebook Group to connect with other libraries in the network.

Join the SciStarter Ambassador & Champion Facebook Group once you have completed the Foundations of Citizen Science and Ambassador Trainings for free on SciStarter.org/Training.

Questions? librarynetwork@scistarter.org