National Parks and public lands—like libraries— are resources that we all share. The National Park Service, which is responsible for the preservation and conservation of our national parks, is celebrating its 100th birthday this year.
In conjunction with National Park Service’s Centennial Year and National Public Lands Day (September 24th), Gleeson Library is highlighting information related to these important local and national spaces.
- From 9/19-9/25, visit Gleeson’s living wall and water fountain area to see our display about National Parks and Public Lands. Travel virtually to national parks using Google Cardboard devices and your smart phone, or take a break to color images from local parks’ natural fauna and wildlife.
- On Thursday, 9/22, from 1-3pm, stop by Gleeson Plaza to check out Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy’s Roving Ranger – “a mobile trailhead designed to serve as a visitor contact and information center both within our national parks and outside the park.” Conservancy staff will be on hand to provide information about park sites, topics of interest, park events, internships, and volunteer programs. They’ve promised to bring some cool show-and-tell items, too!
On Friday, 9/23, from 12-1pmin the Library’s 1st floor lobby, attend a pop-up show of Rare Book Room materials related to National Parks and landmarks, and curated by the Rare Book Room’s Student Assistant. (The RBR popup is postponed for now, but we’re hoping to reschedule!)
Also, consult these Gleeson Library resources to learn and think critically about the National Park Service and its history:
- Watch films related to the National Parks and National Parks Service
- Browse National Parks, a journal that focuses “solely on national parks in the United States. Articles explore efforts to protect and properly manage America’s national parks.”
- Search Ignacio, the library catalog, for books and ebooks about the History of National Parks
Last, but certainly not least, make time to experience and support the National Parks and National Public Lands that surround us. As students living and working in San Francisco, we’re lucky to have many national parks and public lands nearby (Alcatraz, Fort Point, Golden Gate, Muir Woods, Point Reyes, Presidio of San Francisco to name just a few!) that are available for to us to enjoy, and learn through.
Looking forward to the rare book pop-up!