Experience nature and the wonderful world of insects with Bug Out at the Library! Explore our various live insect displays from tarantulas and praying mantises to roly polies and ant colonies. Our goal is to make unique and memorable experiences more accessible and to promote appreciation and curiosity for all living things.
Whether you have dreams of becoming an entomologist or are fascinated with things that creep and crawl, let San Mateo County Libraries be your go-to place this summer for positive bug-filled experiences! Celebrate the launch of our new insect displays with our exciting medley of animal and insect programs below!
Bug-themed Storytimes
Come celebrate the launch of Bug Out at the Library with us in a fun bug-themed storytime. We'll read books about bugs, sing songs and more!
- Monday, May 1 10:30-11:00 AM at Pacifica Sharp Park Library
- Tuesday, May 2 10:30-11:30 AM at Atherton Library
- Thursday, May 4 10:30-11:30 AM at Belmont Library
- Tuesday, May 9 10:00-11:00 AM at Half Moon Bay Library
- Monday, May 15 10:30-11:30 AM at Millbrae Library
- Thursday, May 18 10:30-11:00 AM at San Carlos Library
- Thursday, May 18 at 10:30-11:00 AM at Woodside Library
- Wednesday, May 24 at 10:30-11:00 AM at Portola Valley
- Tuesday, May 30 at 1:30-2:00 PM at Brisbane Library
Beetlelady
Join entomologist, Stephanie Dole, and learn about bugs in a variety of awesome programs!
- Bugs of Animal Crossing on Monday, May 1 3:30 PM at North Fair Oaks
- Amazing Arthropods on Monday, May 8 3:30-4:30 PM at Foster City Library
- Pop-Up Bug Museum on May 9 at 3:30-6:30 PM at Portola Valley Library
- Bugs of Animal Crossing on Thursday, May 11 at 3:30-4:30 PM at Atherton Library
- Bugs of Animal Crossing on Tuesday, May 16 at 3:30-4:30 PM at San Carlos Library
- Metamorphosis on Thursday, May 25 at 3:30-4:30 PM at Woodside Library
- Bugs of Animal Crossing on Wednesday, May 31 at 3:30-4:30 PM Pacifica Sanchez Library
- Bugs of Animal Crossing on Monday, June 5 at 4:00-5:00 PM at Millbrae Library
- Pop-Up Bug Museum, June 7 at 1:00-4:00 PM at Belmont Library
- Amazing Arthropods on Thursday, June 15 at 3:30-4:30 PM at Pacifica Sharp Park Library
Python Ron’s Reptile Kingdom
Look, touch and hold exotic reptiles in astonishing colors and sizes. You will be fascinated to see all the different creatures that travel with Python Ron.
- Tuesday, May 2 3:30-4:30 PM at Foster City Library
- Wednesday, May 3 2:00-3:00 PM at San Carlos Library
- Friday, May 5 3:00-4:00 PM at Belmont Library
- Tuesday, May 9 3:00-4:00 PM at Pacifica Sanchez Library
- Friday, May 12 at 3:30-4:30 PM at Atherton Library
- Monday, May 15 3:30-4:30 PM at Portola Valley Library
- Friday, May 19 at 3:30-4:30 PM at Woodside Library
- Tuesday, May 23 at 6:30-7:30 PM at East Palo Alto Library
East Bay Vivarium’s Reptile Show
The East Bay Vivarium's Travelling Reptile Program presents fun and educational programs featuring between 15 and 20 amazing creatures. They teach natural history, animal husbandry and safety.
- Tuesday, May 2 at 3:30-4:30 PM at East Palo Alto Library
- Wednesday, May 3 3:30-4:30 PM at Brisbane Library
- Friday, May 5 at 3:30-4:30 PM at Millbrae Library
- Monday, May 8 at 3:30-4:30 PM at North Fair Oaks Library
- Tuesday, May 9 at 3:30-4:30 PM at Belmont Library
- Wednesday, May 10 at 3:30-4:30 PM at Foster City Library
- Thursday, May 18 at 3:30-4:30 PM at Woodside Library
- Tuesday, May 23 at 3:30-4:30 PM at Portola Valley Library
- Wednesday, May 24 at 3:00-4:00 PM at Half Moon Bay Library
- Tuesday, May 30 at 3:30-4:30 PM at Pacifica Sharp Park Library
Watercolor Butterfly Class for Adults (Registration required)
In this workshop, we will learn how to paint butterflies using watercolor blending techniques. We will start off with basic watercolor exercises to familiarize beginners with watercolor. No prior experience required.
- Monday, May 8 11:00-12:00 PM at East Palo Alto Library
- Wednesday, May 10 10:30-11:30 AM at Belmont Library
- Thursday, May 11 11:30-12:30 PM at North Fair Oaks
- Thursday, May 16 11:00-12:00 PM at Woodside Library
- Tuesday, May 23 10:30-11:30 AM at Millbrae Library
Middle Scholars: Insect STEM
Dr. Rachel Curtis-Robles, opens a new window will help us understand the fascinating world of insects, science and observation through hands-on learning with insects and mosquitoes. Before this event, hear from Rachel about what she's reading and some of the books that have made the biggest impact in her life.
Want to brush up on your bug-knowledge before visiting our new friends? Check out these titles!
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