In Our Nature: A Community Read
This spring, the Library invites our community to read "Lab Girl" by Hope Jahren and take part in a shared reading experience supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. Inspired by the NEA Big Read theme Our Nature, this season of programs explores how our physical environment shapes resilience, curiosity, and connection. Through book discussions, creative workshops, outdoor experiences, and community conversations, we will reflect on how nature can inspire hope and courage and help us better understand ourselves and one another.
In Our Nature: A Community Read
This spring, the Library invites our community to read “Lab Girl” by Hope Jahren and take part in a shared reading experience supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. Inspired by the NEA Big Read theme Our Nature, this season of programs explores how our physical environment shapes resilience, curiosity, and connection. Through book discussions, creative workshops, outdoor experiences, and community conversations, we will reflect on how nature can inspire hope and courage and help us better understand ourselves and one another.
About the Book
“Lab Girl” by geobiologist and award-winning author Hope Jahren blends science and memoir to explore curiosity, resilience, and the lessons of the natural world. Through reflections on plant life, scientific discovery, and her experiences living with bipolar disorder, Jahren shows how growth depends on patience, adaptability, and care. Chosen for Natrona County’s community read, the book reflects our community’s deep connection to the land and invites thoughtful conversations about mental health, well-being, and how nature can inspire hope and connection. Free copies of “Lab Girl” are available to pick up at the Library while supplies last.
Join the Discussion
As part of this community-wide read, the Library is hosting a season of events inspired by “Lab Girl” and the NEA Big Read theme, Our Nature. From March through May, programs include book discussions, writing and creative workshops, lectures, outdoor experiences, and facilitated community conversations that invite participants to learn, reflect, and connect.
All events are free and open to adults unless otherwise noted. Some programs require registration due to limited space.
Upcoming Events
Introducing the Seed Library
As part of our NEA Big Read programming, we are excited to launch the Seed Library of Natrona County.
Seeds play a central role in Lab Girl, symbolizing patience, resilience, and possibility. The Seed Library brings these ideas into the community by encouraging hands-on learning, gardening, and environmental stewardship.
Community members can check out seeds, learn about growing in our region, and participate in programs that connect reading, science, and care for the natural world. Whether you are an experienced gardener or planting your first seed, the Seed Library offers a chance to grow curiosity and connection.
Introducing the Seed Library
As part of our NEA Big Read programming, we are excited to launch the Seed Library of Natrona County.
Seeds play a central role in Lab Girl, symbolizing patience, resilience, and possibility. The Seed Library brings these ideas into the community by encouraging hands-on learning, gardening, and environmental stewardship.
Community members can check out seeds, learn about growing in our region, and participate in programs that connect reading, science, and care for the natural world. Whether you are an experienced gardener or planting your first seed, the Seed Library offers a chance to grow curiosity and connection.
About the NEA Big Read
This program is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts through the NEA Big Read, a national initiative that funds community programming centered around a book from the NEA Big Read Library. The NEA Big Read aims to inspire meaningful conversations, celebrate local creativity, elevate a wide variety of voices and perspectives, and strengthen connections within communities nationwide.
Community programming during this NEA Big Read cycle is guided by the theme Our Nature, encouraging participants to explore their relationship with the physical environment through reading, discussion, writing, and creative activities.
The NEA Big Read is administered in partnership with Arts Midwest.
