East Polk Public Library

06/23/2026

Meet the Trilobite: One of Earth’s Earliest Success Stories!

Long before dinosaurs roamed the planet, trilobites ruled the ancient seas. These fascinating marine arthropods first appeared during the Cambrian Period over 520 million years ago and thrived for nearly 270 million years before disappearing in the great Permian extinction.

What makes trilobites so special?
• They had a hard exoskeleton divided into three distinct lobes—the feature that gave them their name.
• Many possessed complex compound eyes, making them among the earliest animals with advanced vision.
• Some could roll into a ball for protection, much like modern pill bugs.
• Scientists use trilobite fossils to date rocks and reconstruct ancient environments and continents.

With more than 17,000 known fossil species, trilobites provide an incredible window into life in Earth's ancient oceans.

Learn more from the British Geological Survey: British Geological Survey – Trilobites https://www.bgs.ac.uk/discovering-geology/fossils-and-geological-time/trilobites/

06/22/2026

Dinos have never been so individual as these fingerprints. Join us next Monday at 1 for kids story time.

06/22/2026

Want to be a paleontologist but don't know where to start? Well look here! Todays link provided by your local library might be exactly what your looking for. The Paleontological Research Institution has a basic guide for students on what exactly is paleontology, the different types (because it's not just dinosaurs), and even down to schooling and experience. With plenty of resources and information jump right in to your future career!

https://www.priweb.org/blog-post/i-want-to-be-a-paleontologist

06/20/2026

“Vicious Velociraptor: tales of a turkey-sized dinosaur” from the Natural History Museum (London), explains that many popular ideas about Velociraptor come from movies rather than fossils.

Velociraptor was much smaller than depicted in Jurassic Park—roughly turkey-sized, about 1.8 m (6 ft) long and around 7 kg in weight.

Its famous sickle-shaped claw was likely used to grip and restrain prey, similar to how modern eagles use their talons, rather than to slash open victims.

Evidence shows Velociraptor had feathers, including long arm feathers attached to its forelimbs. A 2007 fossil showing quill k***s helped confirm this.

Although it had wing-like arms, it could not fly because its anatomy was not suited for powered flight or gliding.

A famous fossil from Mongolia preserves a Velociraptor and a Protoceratops locked in combat, providing rare direct evidence of dinosaur behavior.

Researchers estimate it could run at over 40 km/h (25 mph) in short bursts, making it a fast and agile predator.

It was relatively intelligent for a dinosaur, but probably had intelligence more comparable to a modern hawk than to the highly cunning animals shown in films.

For more information check out https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/velociraptor-facts.html

Star of Jurassic World, feisty fighter and owner of a killer claw, this popular dinosaur has quite a reputation. But how much of it is deserved? Find out Velociraptor facts, including the answers to questions such as what did Velociraptor eat, how did it hunt, how fast could it run and was it clever...

06/19/2026

The Geological Society of America connects us with the dinosaurs of long ago through studies of fossils.

Explore the fascinating world of dinosaurs through the lens of modern geology and paleontology. Learn how fossils form, how scientists reconstruct ancient ecosystems, and what Earth's rocks reveal about life millions of years ago. Our mission is to share evidence-based information about dinosaurs, evolution, extinction events, and the history of our planet.

Bringing dinosaurs, fossils, and Earth's ancient history to life through science.

Dinosaurs ruled the Earth for over 160 million years, leaving behind clues preserved in rocks and fossils.

For more information visit https://www.geosociety.org/

06/18/2026

What really happened to the giant Ice Age mammoths?

This fascinating video explores unique discoveries and scientific clues that may help solve one of history’s biggest mysteries: why these incredible creatures disappeared from Earth. From ancient environmental changes to evidence of human interaction, the findings offer a fresh look at the factors that may have led to their extinction.

Watch the video and see what the latest research reveals about the rise and fall of these iconic Ice Age giants. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIgSklQ2_G4

06/17/2026

Discover the story of life on Earth with the The Paleontological Society!

For more than a century, this global community has been advancing the study of fossils, evolution, and Earth's history through scientific research, education, advocacy, publications, grants, and outreach programs. Whether you're a professional scientist, student, educator, or simply fascinated by prehistoric life, there's a place for you in the paleontology community.

From supporting groundbreaking research to inspiring the next generation of fossil enthusiasts, the Society continues to promote a deeper understanding of our planet's past and the evolution of life.

Learn more, and explore the world of paleontology: https://www.paleosoc.org/

06/16/2026

Did You Know? Fossils Are Protected Treasures in Our National Parks!

Fossils are much more than dinosaur bones—they're evidence of ancient life, including shells, footprints, plants, and even fossilized dung! These remarkable clues help scientists understand how life, landscapes, and climates have changed over millions of years.

The National Park System protects fossils found in more than 286 park units across the United States, preserving a fossil record that spans over a billion years of Earth's history. From towering dinosaurs to tiny pollen grains, these discoveries tell the incredible story of life on our planet.

If you discover a fossil while visiting a national park, remember:
Take a photo
Mark the location
Leave it where you found it
Report it to a park ranger

Fossils are irreplaceable scientific resources, and collecting them in national parks is prohibited to ensure future generations can learn from them.

Learn more about fossils and paleontology in our national parks at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossils/index.htm

06/15/2026

Opening its doors on March 17, 1910 the American Museum of National History has been a focal point in New York for the last 116 years. Featuring the Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs, the exhibition fits right in with our theme this month. With events and educational opportunities year round, its a great visit and resources. Check out the link below to look at their website to view what opportunities you can have this summer.

https://www.amnh.org/

06/13/2026

Welcome to Joggins Fossil Cliffs – A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Step back 300 million years and discover one of Earth's most extraordinary natural treasures. Located on the shores of Nova Scotia's Bay of Fundy, the Joggins Fossil Cliffs reveal the world's most complete fossil record of life from the Carboniferous "Coal Age"—more than 100 million years before the dinosaurs.

Known as the "Coal Age Galápagos," Joggins offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore ancient fossil forests, discover remarkable geological formations, and experience the world's highest tides as they uncover new pieces of Earth's history every day.

Visit the Joggins Fossil Centre to explore interactive exhibits, fossil collections, and guided beach tours led by knowledgeable interpreters. Whether you're a fossil enthusiast, nature lover, student, or curious traveler, Joggins promises an unforgettable journey through time.

For more information go to https://jogginsfossilcliffs,net/