Sanibel library offers range of programs and topics
The Sanibel Public Library provides a variety of programming for adults and children.
With support from the Sanibel Public Library Foundation, the library has launched a series of virtual author talks to include bestselling authors and thought leaders. The next one will take place on Oct. 2 at 2 p.m. with Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute scientists Drs. Rachel A. Page, Dina K. N. Dechmann and M. Teague O’Mara. They will teach about the world of tropical bats.
For decades, institute scientists have studied the biodiversity of bats on Barro Colorado Island in Panama, where 76 species coexist. Their expertise pairs with the photography of National Geographic contributor Christian Ziegler for a visual journey into the world of the creatures with the book “Bat Island: A Rare Journey into the Hidden World of Tropical Bats.” Bats are unique among mammals: they have acquired true flight, provide ecosystem services and represent the ecologically most diverse group worldwide. Synthesizing decades of study, Page, Dechmann, O’Mara and Marco Tschapka provide insight alongside 150 photos showcasing bats’ environmental adaptations and natural history.
The presentation will cover topics from the book, such as the sensory abilities of bats and their foraging strategies, roosting ecologies and social systems. “Bat Island” presents decades of study of the hyper diverse bat population on Barro, in addition to the most comprehensive and long-term datasets on tropical bats. The book and presentation will highlight how bats are threatened by habitat fragmentation and land degradation, and communicate the initiatives needed to ensure the survival of the animals, which are critical to maintaining healthy, balanced ecosystems.
Page is a staff scientist at the institute in Panama, where she leads the Smithsonian Bat Lab. Dechmann is a group leader at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior and a research associate at the institute. O’Mara is director of conservation evidence at Bat Conservation International and a research associate at the institute and Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior.
A question-and-answer session with the author will follow.
To register for the author talk, visit https://libraryc.org/sanlib/upcoming.
Additionally, the library has the following programs scheduled:
Crafternoon will be held on Sept. 25 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. The project will be “Mini Frame Magnets.” Open to ages 3 and older, make a work of art. A variety of craft supplies will be available, along with examples and guidance.
On Sept. 26, Teen Talk: Pop Culture, Current Events, and Library Picks will take place from 3 to 4 p.m. Teens can take part in a relaxed hangout and freely chat about pop culture, current events, personal experiences and explore the services that the library offers.
Family Storytime for ages 5 and under will be held on Sept. 27 from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Sing, read, question and move around during the stories, followed by early literacy centers of play to flex minds, motor skills and creativity. The program will include an art/craft center.
On Sept. 27, Learn Hoopla — Open Workshop will take place from 11 a.m. to noon. IT librarian Andrew Dyen-Shapiro will answer questions and help navigate the Hoopla App. Attendees will need to bring their library card and a device that they would like to view content on that can download apps.
Baby & Toddler Storytime and Playdate will be held on Oct. 1 from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Open to ages 4 and under, babies and their caregivers will take part in a short story time, sensory play, literacy activities and more.
On Oct. 2, Crafternoon will take place from 3 to 4:30 p.m. The project will be “Clay Trinket Dishes.” Open to ages 3 and older, make a work of art. A variety of craft supplies will be available, along with examples and guidance.
For the most up-to-date information, visit the calendar at https://sanlib.org/.
Library cards are available to residents of Sanibel and Lee County at no charge. Visitor library cards are available for a $10 annual fee.
The library is open on Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information, call 239-472-2483 or visit https://sanlib.org/.
The Sanibel Public Library is at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.