In Maryland, Edgewater Library, a branch of the Anne Arundel County Public Library, partners with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center to provide environmental education, guided nature hikes, and programming that connects local residents to the region’s ecology and stewardship opportunities.

The partnership began when Edgewater Library staff started working with the Smithsonian staff to create outdoor learning opportunities. Initial activities included guided ecology hikes and public programs that translate research into accessible experiences.

Over time the collaboration expanded with repeat guided hikes, co-developed family and youth events, and the research center’s educators providing interpretation while the library handles promotion and participant outreach.

Impacts include increased public engagement with local natural areas, greater environmental literacy among participants, and new audiences for the Smithsonian, facilitated through the library’s community connections.

From an international perspective, this is an example of how libraries can partner with research institutions to bring applied science to local audiences — a model that fosters community science engagement, one community at a time.

As of January 2026, the Edgewater Library is continuing to work with SERC to offer more Story Hikes, a preschool-centered Little Scientists series, and a hands-on science storytelling series aimed at adults.

Partnership story updated January 9, 2026. This vignette is part of a collection of stories celebrating public library partnerships created to encourage more partnerships between public libraries and a wide-range of partners.