STAR Library Network - STEM Learning in Libraries

06/16/2026

Library Programming Made Easy: A Year of Citizen Science Ideas for all Libraries

Join SciStarter for an interactive webinar on June 17th exploring 12 months of easy-to-implement citizen science programming ideas designed for libraries of all sizes and capacities. Discover flexible, no- and low-tech program options that introduce people of all ages and interests to citizen science through simple but meaningful activities that contribute to real scientific research.

From bird migration tracking and pollinator counts to weather monitoring and night sky observations, discover hands-on activities that inspire curiosity and encourage lifelong learning for all ages. You can even host a simple “Citizen Science 101” program to introduce your peers and community to the basics of citizen science and how to find local projects. No prior experience required!

You’ll leave with programming ideas, free tools and resources, and practical strategies for integrating citizen science into existing library offerings year-round.

Register here:

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Library Programming Made Easy: A Year of Citizen Science Ideas for All Libraries. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

06/15/2026

Held each June, National Mosquito Control Awareness Week recognizes the deadly nature of mosquito-borne disease outbreaks. With the GLOBE Observer app, anyone can report potential mosquito habitat and the presence of mosquito larvae. Paired with satellite observations of temperature, water and vegetation, scientists can forecast a communities’ risk of mosquito-borne diseases. Local/state awareness activities also happen throughout the spring.

Check out the resources below:
GLOBE Observer Mosquito App:
https://observer.globe.gov/about/get-the-app
Mosquito Habitat Mapper toolkit:
https://observer.globe.gov/toolkit/mosquito-habitat-mapper-toolkit
Mission Mosquito Larvae Hunters Guide:
https://www.globe.gov/web/mission-mosquito/overview/resources

06/11/2026

Kickoff webinar today, June 11th at 2pm MT

Join Science Across America Cohort 2: Free Resources and No Requirements!

As America celebrates its 250-year anniversary, HHMI Tangled Bank Studios and STAR Net have launched a new campaign to help libraries highlight the history of scientific achievement in our country, and the local connections to science in our communities. SCIENCE ACROSS AMERICA, the newest campaign from Spark of Science@ My Library, invites libraries to showcase local scientific advances and scientists, engage your communities with focused Community Dialogues, and host educational and inspirational activities that shine a light on the past, present, and future of science in our lives. 115 Partner Libraries have already been chosen for this project, but we’re now opening applications for cohort 2, who will receive free resources, with only optional reporting requirements! Libraries that register for cohort 2 will receive a Science Across America map for their state or territory, project logo stickers, and sticky notes to facilitate patrons adding their own “moments in science” to your state/territories map and other resources listed in the following blog post:
https://community.starnetlibraries.org/join-science-across-america-cohort-2-free-resources-and-no-requirements/

Register in advance for the kickoff meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Dl6fwMMMR6W2iNQIeb4qRg

06/08/2026

All eyes on a healthy ocean this . By working together, we can restore what has been lost, protect what remains, and ensure that future generations inherit a thriving ocean and a stable climate.

Dive into the event map and find something near you, or create your own! https://worldoceanday.org/eventscalendar/

06/04/2026

NISE Net America 250 Webinar: Just in Time Resources

June 9th, 2026: Learn more from our partners at NISE Net about resources and activities your library can use in support of America 250 and Science Across America.

Register here:
https://nisenet.org/AmericaAt250

06/03/2026

⭐ FREE Pre-Conference Session at ALA!⭐

Register now for this session! Join the STAR Library Education Network (STAR Net) and HHMI Tangled Bank Studios to learn how to join the Science Across America Initiative for public and school libraries. This session will feature hands-on activities, engaging media, tips for conducting Community Dialogues, and many more resources you can use in your library to support STEAM programming. This free session is limited to 100 participants, and you must register to attend. Please register as soon as possible so we can ensure you receive a personalized "Science Across America" story-wall map (by state or territory) to take home to your library. Extras will be available, but supplies are limited.

To register, please visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8J6FVPN

Walk-ins may be accepted as space allows. Coffee and a light breakfast will be provided.

06/02/2026

Join Science Across America Cohort 2: Free Resources and No Requirements!

Register to receive your free poster, stickers, and access to our online community of libraries celebrating 250 (+) years of Science Across America!

Register here!
https://community.starnetlibraries.org/join-science-across-america-cohort-2-free-resources-and-no-requirements/

05/20/2026

FREE WEBINAR! iREAD: Plant a Seed, Read
May 21 from 10 -11am MT
Join STAR Net as we share and explore resources related to the summer 2026 iRead theme: Plant A Seed, Read. We will showcase NASA hands-on activities, citizen science projects, and discuss Moon Trees! Get last-minute ideas you can use for summer reading and beyond!

Register here!
https://t.e2ma.net/click/u7i77k/m96cnyrc/erbui9