News release

NORTH WEBSTER — Although the NWCPL Citizen Science Club is brand new, participants have already found ways to make a difference in the community. One regular attendee has already connected with a local organization to help remove invasive plant species. The library has also purchased a CoCoRaHS rain gauge that allows them to send daily readings to the National Weather Service for use in tracking rainfall, potential flooding and even drought. CoCoRaHS stands for Collaborative Community Rain, Hail and Snow and is a nationwide project.

Using a website called SciStarter, individual participants are encouraged to choose citizen science projects from around the world to participate in. Examples include Project Squirrel, to study squirrel populations; Stall Catchers, to better understand Alzheimer’s; and iNaturalist, to submit data on local plants, animals, insects and even fungi. Other examples of citizen science include things like water quality testing, bird watching, soil sampling, pollinator tracking, and anything else that can help scientists better understand the world.

“The best thing about citizen science is that anyone can participate,” said NWCPL Public Services Director Amanda Demster. “You don’t have to have a background in natural sciences. I majored in English and I’m bad at math and figuring out formulas, so the fact that I and others like me can still participate in scientific studies really amazes me.”

Demster leads the Citizen Science Club and invites anyone interested to join. “While this program is aimed at adults, we invite participants to bring their children and grandchildren,” Demster said.

Citizen Science Club meets at 10:30 on the second Wednesday of each month. For more information, contact the library at (574) 834-7122 or email Demster at (email protected).

Library events every week

The following activities will take place at the North Webster Community Public Library. Participants do not need a library card to participate in any of these events. All programs are free unless otherwise noted.

Adult events

The adult craft course takes place at 14.00 on Tuesday 13 August. This month’s featured craft will be a hanging wooden flower holder. The course is free and materials are provided, but registration is required. If you have favorite artificial flowers, please bring them to add to your creation as the library’s flower supply is limited.

The Citizen Science Club will meet at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 14. Come and join a group of like-minded people who care about nature and the local environment. No registration required.

Teens events

Interested in having a voice in teen programming at NWCPL? Applications are open for the Teen Advisory Board for the 2024-25 school year. TAB is a great opportunity to have fun while making new friends and building connections and skills. You’ll have a chance to help design and market teen programs and gain experience you can use for school and job applications. Read more and apply by visiting the website, calling the library or picking up a paper application at the library.

Teen Cafe will happen at 15:30 on Monday, August 5. Stop by the library to meet friends, relax, enjoy snacks, make a craft, study, play board games or video games. This program is open to students in grades 6-12. No registration required.

For more information on any library events, call (574) 834-7122, visit the library website nwcpl.org or the library’s Facebook page.