About NASA@ My Library

The Carson City Library was selected through a competitive application process to be part of NASA@ My Library, an initiative to engage public audiences nationwide in informal and lifelong learning with the excitement of NASA exploration and discovery.

In spring 2017, more than 500 libraries applied to participate. Carson City Library is one of just 75 public libraries nationwide to be part of this initiative. We look forward to exploring the universe with our patrons of all ages.

We use NASA@ My Library resources to create compelling learning experiences for our community and share the story, science and adventure of NASA’s scientific explorations of planet Earth, our solar system, and the universe beyond. The Library holds public programs engaging various age groups and reaches out to NASA scientists, engineers,and educators to collaborate on high-profile events to attract community interest.

Check out some of our past events to get an idea of what NASA@ My Library is all about! And stay tuned for more to come.

Our Past Events

Earth Day Celebration

We celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day at the Carson City Library April 21-30, 2020. Participants experienced nature in virtual reality, citizen science-themed story times, and explored creative sides while up cycling—all with our Earth Day-themed library programs. Plus, checkout our many science books at the Library or download eBooks from our curated collection on Overdrive.

World Space Week

The Carson City Library participated in World Space Week for the first time by offering space-themed library programs and a lecture from NASA Solar System Ambassador, Dr. Steve Metzger. The theme was The Moon: Gateway to the Stars. World Space Week is an international celebration of science and technology, and their contribution to betterment of the human condition. The United Nations General Assembly declared in 1999 that World Space Week will be held each year Oct. 4-10.

NASA Explorer Backpacks

A Carson City Library Premiere Card is all families need to check out a lunar telescope for two weeks of space-gazing. The NASA Explorer Backpacks include a telescope, coding activities, books, and other materials. To learn more about the requirements and how to upgrade to a premiere library card, click here.

The NASA Explorer Backpacks can be checked out for two weeks by visiting the Carson City Library Information Desk.

STEAM Arcade

This monthly after school program is dedicated to exploring STEAM topics with a focus on Earth as well as space science and engineering. This program series includes either an outside presenter who discusses real-world applications of STEAM skills or will use activities from the NASA@ My Library STEM Facilitation kits. Programs will range from learning how to use different equipment and technology to completing challenges and experiments.

Explore Earth: Our Changing Planet Exhibit

In March and April of 2019, the Carson City Library hosted the Explore Earth: Our Changing Planet Exhibit. This exhibition focuses on local earth science topics such as weather, climate, and ecosystem changes as well as a global view of our changing planet.

The exhibit includes a touchscreen computer kiosk that contains several interactive experiences that engage children and adults. These include Wild Weather, Earth Stories, and a Quiz game.

Lunar Rocks and Meet a Meteorite

On Aug. 2, 2018 the Carson City Library provided a chance to see lunar rocks and soil during the Lunar Rocks and Meet a Meteorite presentation, sponsored by Greater Nevada Credit Union. The moon rocks were on display at the Library as part of the NASA@ My Library initiative. Samples of moon rocks were displayed along with lunar “soil,” or regolith, brought back from six Apollo missions between 1969 and 1972. They were stored in a vault at Greater Nevada Credit Union and transported to the Library with a police escort. We also hosted an array of activities —including creating rocket ships from balloons —to help children and adults better understand the workings of the moon.

Solar Eclipse Viewing 2017

The Carson City Library hosted a viewing the Solar Eclipse on Aug. 21 from 9-11 a.m. There were hands-on activities, free solar eclipse glasses, and a photo booth to help commemorate this amazing event. To learn about appropriate precautions for viewing a solar eclipse, click on this Safety Flyer (PDF) to learn more,or this Viewing the Solar Eclipse Safely in Español (PDF). For additional information on the solar eclipse, check out this Viewing Guide (PDF).

Voyager and Space Memorabilia

From August 2017 through December 2017, the Carson City Library presented an exhibit of Voyager and Space Memorabilia provided by Maxine Nietz. Her personal collection was acquired while working at JPL Engineering, LLC. It was made available to the public in the Nevada Reference section in support of the NASA@ My Library program.

Grant Awarded

In 2017 the Carson City Library was chosen to be part of the NASA@ My Library initiative to engage public audiences nationwide in informal and lifelong learning about NASA exploration and discovery. Click here to read more about NASA@ My Library at the Carson City Library!

NASA@ My Library is led by the National Center for Interactive Learning (NCIL) at the Space Science Institute (SSI) in partnership with the American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office, the Pacific Science Center, Cornerstones of Science and the Education Development Center. Funding comes from NASA’s Science Mission Directorate via cooperative agreement No. NNX16AE30A.

Note: Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed by NASA@ My Library do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.