Fort Vancouver Regional Library partners with local author to get families outside
Part of our work in the Lower Columbia Nature Network is to bring partners together and increase collaboration. When we heard about the great partnership between the Fort Vancouver Regional Library and local author Jessica Becker, we had to find out more. Together they will be hosting some family hikes over the summer. Read more to discover how the library is striving to provide more than just books to get families outside.
We talked with Kelsey Hudson, Outreach & Program Coordinator for Youth - Fort Vancouver Regional Library and Jessica Becker, local author of little feet hiking books.
Q. Tell me about the library’s interest in connecting families to nature.
Kelsey Hudson, FVRL: While people understandably think books when they think of the library, our mission is a bit broader: To strengthen our communities through knowledge, experiences, and creativity. A key piece of meeting that mission is providing access for people to the resources and information that they need to be successful. What we're learning is that nature is a big element for success in children, but also may not be one they have a lot of access to or experience with.
Q. What kinds of programs do you have? In library? Offsite?
KH: We have had our Check Out Washington backpacks, which have supplies like nature guides, a Discover Pass, and binoculars for a few years now. These are self-directed and available for folks to use for up to three weeks at one time. We regularly host Master Gardeners programs and a Nature Lovers Bookgroup for adults, and even have relatively new Seed Lending Libraries in two of our libraries. For kids and families though, we've been looking for more ways to get our programs outside and have more actively nature driven programming. This means seeking out programs like the Hike and Learn programs as well as a nature crafting and education program at our Three Creeks Library this summer, and encouraging libraries to look for ways to bring programs like storytime and hands-on STEM activities to their outdoor spaces or neighborhood parks this summer.
Q. Tell us about this partnership between the library and the Little Feet Hiking books.
KH: A coworker of mine had arranged a program with Jessica as part of our annual Words and Pictures, author event last fall that got families outside and exploring the CASEE Forest and Nature Trails through a guided hike. I heard such positive feedback about the event, and had been looking for more opportunities like this myself so I reached out to Jessica to discuss some possibilities for this summer.
Jessica Becker, little feet hiking author: We've arranged three programs for this summer, and talked about possible options for the fall as well. We also discussed the need for ways to specifically get elementary kids out on the trails. With all the distractions that come with growing up, it can be harder to engage kids this age out on the trail.
Q. What can families expect on these outings?
JB: Families will be guided on one of three of my favorite local hikes. Each location has its own historical or natural excitement - and we will certainly talk about those - but I'll also be encouraging families to keep their eyes and ears out so we can go down rabbit trails of learning and exploration. There will also be plenty of time to talk about planning for hikes, ways to engage this age group on the trail, and anything else families want to chat about.
Q. How are you hoping to bridge the gap from reading about nature to getting out and experiencing it?
KH: I think kids are naturally curious, and being able to lean into that curiosity has always worked well for the library when we introduce new topics to kids, or ones they've only been familiar with from books.
Q. Can all the Little Feet Hiking books be found at the library?
KH: Yes, we have the first four books in her little feet hiking series in our catalog currently and are working on getting the newest one processed and added as well.
Q. What other resources do you have to get families outside and exploring nature. Backpacks, etc.
KH: In addition to programming, we also have the Check Out Washington nature backpacks described above. We also have Experience Passes that provide patrons access to local attractions for free with their library cards. While many of these are cultural, some, like the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and its interpretive nature walk and native species restoration project, also provide a great opportunity to learn more about nature. We've also compiled some recommended titles from local nature experts (including Jessica's books!) that are available for patrons to check out at any of our libraries that encourage patrons to get outside, whether that be in their backyard, or something a bit further afield.
JB: The library system also has some great nature field guides.
