Children throughout Josephine County will soon have an opportunity to trade summer screens for science as Josephine Community Library launches a series of interactive workshops designed to introduce young learners to the fascinating world of seeds, plants and pollinators. The hands-on educational events will encourage children to explore the fundamentals of plant biology while discovering how even the smallest backyard garden can help support bees, butterflies and other beneficial pollinating insects.
Presented in partnership with the Pollinator Pals program, the workshops are geared toward children ages 7 through 12 and their families and will be held at three participating library branches in Illinois Valley, Williams and Wolf Creek. Each session combines scientific exploration with practical gardening lessons, giving participants an engaging opportunity to examine nature from both a classroom and real-world perspective.
During the workshops, children will use microscopes to closely examine and dissect bean seeds, gaining a firsthand look at the structures that make plant growth possible. Library organizers say the activity is intended to spark curiosity while helping young participants better understand the early stages of a plant’s life cycle. The experience will also introduce families to the basics of creating pollinator-friendly gardens, offering practical knowledge that can be applied at home.
The workshops are scheduled for Friday, July 31, from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Illinois Valley branch, followed by sessions on Saturday, Aug. 1, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Williams branch and from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Wolf Creek branch.
The educational series is part of Josephine Community Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program, themed “Plant a Seed, Read,” which blends literacy with hands-on learning experiences throughout the summer. By connecting books with science, gardening and environmental stewardship, the program encourages children to continue learning even while school is out, reinforcing the idea that reading and discovery often go hand in hand.
Supporting this year’s Summer Reading Program are Evergreen Federal Bank, Grants Pass Active Club, Grants Pass Rotary Club, the Josephine Community Library Foundation, Oregon Pacific Financial Advisor, the State Library of Oregon and the Rotary Club of Grants Pass. Their sponsorship helps provide educational programming that remains accessible to families throughout the county.
The workshops will be led by Pollinator Pals, an educational program developed by Pollinator Project Rogue Valley, a volunteer-led nonprofit organization based in Phoenix. The organization focuses on increasing awareness of the important role pollinators play in healthy ecosystems while providing educational opportunities that encourage conservation and habitat restoration across Southern Oregon.
Library officials say the workshops are intended to create an enjoyable environment where children can ask questions, experiment with scientific tools and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world. By introducing young learners to concepts such as seed anatomy and pollinator habitats, organizers hope to inspire curiosity that extends well beyond the classroom and into home gardens, parks and neighborhood green spaces.
Participation in the workshops is free and open to the public, and no library card is required to attend. Families are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to explore science together while enjoying one of the many educational activities offered through this year’s Summer Reading Program.