Let’s Talk About Science: A Reading-Discussion Program in America’s Libraries

This project will establish adult lecture-discussion series on scientific topics at libraries throughout the United States, modeled after the "Lets Talk About It" humanities series offered by the American Library Association. Programs and program materials will be extensively tested and evaluated in Colorado libraries before introduction into libraries in five additional states, followed by national distribution. This program seeks to make effective use of libraries for informal science education. Libraries are highly effective neighborhood resources that are well positioned to offer programs and services, but that have in the past offered few science- related programs. This project's combination of prepared packages of lecture discussion series organization materials and the use of local scientists and engineers as speakers and discussion leaders should substantially increase the science offerings of public libraries. An award of $ 98,533 for FY87 is recommended.