The Children’s Branch Library of Hangzhou Public Library saw the opening of an affiliate named Biodiversity Experience Center. This is the first biodiversity-themed book house in the province, a platform for children to understand biodiversity, unfold the mysteries of nature, and cultivate ecological awareness.
The room looks like a mini nature inside. Following the concept of biodiversity within the twenty-four solar terms, BEC features a collection of categorized children’s science books on the shelves. A special column titled “The Bests” on the city’s biodiversity showcases the latest findings in this area. Multimedia equipment is also available for children to check files and watch videos.
To further spark children’s interest in nature, the rooftop garden of the Branch Library, with a building upgrade, has reopened with a brand-new Biodiversity Experience Garden for young readers. This aerial nature classroom, with a holistic function for display, science education, and interaction with visitors, is a living ecology textbook for teens. Inside, the meticulously arranged potted plants create a mini ecosystem. Plant specimens, alongside pictures or notes of elementary school students, constitute a “nature corridor.” Microscopes, magnifying glasses, and telescopes help bring scientific knowledge to life and make the learning of them both fun and exciting.
The outdoor Experience Center also boasts floral signs and science boards, floral distribution map, and interactive discs for local bird identification. These not only show the biodiversity of the area but allow children to learn more about biodiversity. In addition, the library has man-made bird nests and “bug inns” next to trees - they are shelters for the wildlife and a testament to urban biodiversity.
With the new-born rooftop garden, the biodiversity experience center, and other resources, the Branch Library has launched 4 types of 8 sets of biodiversity experience courses, such as hands-on moss potted landscape making, educational ecological literature appreciation, finding creatures in Song-time paintings, and making birdhouses and bug inns.
