The Saving the Earth Kid
It was one of those weeks at the library when kids were on vacation and I was setting up for a program in the children's room. As soon as we opened at 10 AM, an elementary-aged boy, a gamer who usually hangs out after school, came in and said hello. I asked what he was up to so early in the morning.
"I was out picking up trash," he said. "So much trash everywhere in the street!"
"Were you doing that for a school project?"
"Nah, I want to save the earth! I do this a little bit every day!" He looked particularly stoked about it, and in my view, kinda superhero-like in an Earth Guardian kinda way.
Since then, I've gotten to know him better, and he's just one of those sweet kids who make you so glad you work in a library, and also makes you feel hopeful for the future of humanity, and the planet.
Environmental Literacy in the Schools
Another happy encounter recently occurred when Andra from the San Mateo County Office of Education, opens a new window did a presentation for local school librarians and myself about the County's efforts to make environmental literacy a priority in the schools. Their goal is to increase public awareness of environmental issues and problems. In turn, citizens can use their knowledge to make responsible decisions and take action. Their website, Environmental Literacy at SMCOE, opens a new window, has helpful info about the initiative, their strategic plan, and resources for educators, students, and community partners.
Their Environmental Literacy Library Resources, opens a new window page is particularly rich with resources, including:
- Professional Learning Resources
- Print Resources
- Film Resources
- Relevant Databases for Student Research
Earth Day Events Throughout San Mateo County
Looking for a way to learn more and take action? April is a great opportunity to attend one of these family-friendly events. Please check out the events pages you're interested in for more details, including registration forms, info on what you need to bring, and directions.
- Saturday, April 21, 9 AM
Earth Day on the Bay, opens a new window in Redwood City, opens a new window - Saturday, April 21, 9 AM
Earth Day Cleanup at Coyote Point in San Mateo, opens a new window - Saturday, April 21, 12 PM to 4 PM
Atherton Earth Day, opens a new window in Atherton, opens a new window - Saturday, April 21, 9 AM to 12 PM
Belmont Earth Day, opens a new window in Belmont, opens a new window - Saturday, April 21, 11 AM to 2:30 PM
Ecofest, opens a new window at Pacifica's Linda Mar State Beach, opens a new window - Saturday, April 21, 10 AM to 1 PM
Rethink Waste, opens a new window in San Carlos, opens a new window
Earth Day Resources
Use your library card to check out these great Earth Day materials!
El Día de la Tierra (Earth Day)
Learn Every Day About Our Green Earth
The Everything Green Living Book
Margret & H.A. Rey's Curious George Plants A Tree
San Mateo County Libraries are also putting on some great events. Check them out on our events listing.
How do you and your family take action to save the earth? Give us your ideas below.
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