Those intrigued by the possibility of life beyond our own solar system need not book an intergalactic flight to satiate their curiosities. They need only make a trip to Joliet.
The Joliet Public Library recently opened an exhibit called Discover Exoplanets: The Search for Alien Worlds to its downtown Ottawa Street Branch. The Joliet library is one of only 10 across the country — and the only one in Illinois — to host the traveling NASA exhibit on its tour.
“We’re just so proud to have this here,” said Mallory Hewlett, the library’s communications manager. “To bring this to our community is a great feeling. I hope people enjoy it.”
Through February, the library, 150 N. Ottawa St., will feature roughly 700 square feet of free and self-guided interactive displays designed to introduce people to the search for life on other planets, while showcasing the tools scientists use to find planets beyond our solar system. Various elements of the exhibit are designed to appeal to children, teens and adults.
“It’s one of those things where you hear NASA and you know it’s going to be impressive,” Hewlett said. “You know it’s going to be cool. Just to have that in our community, it’s just really special for us.”
The library applied for and received NASA’s Universe of Learning Grant to host the interactive exhibit. The grant also included $1,000 for special programs, training, a facilitation kit and access to NASA subject matter experts. The Joliet Public Library developed in-house a large slate of free programming through February for a variety of ages, including storytimes, crafts, virtual programs, a field trip and an Alien Dance Party. It opened Dec. 11 with an event including digital dome presentations led by Joliet Junior College planetarium outreach coordinator Caitlin Lee. The slate will also feature speakers such as Dayna Ise, who grew up in Joliet and now serves as director of the Mars Campaign Office for NASA.
“Really, our mission is literacy, but we also want to focus on STEM learning for the kids and getting them excited about science,” Hewlett said. “And a lot of kids are really interested in space — not just them but older siblings, the teens in the community that come to our study rooms. Adults, too.”
Through Jan. 31, the branch’s Youth Art Gallery on the second floor is featuring works with themes similar to those of the exhibit, created by students ages 5-18 years old. It is an extension of a regular partnership between the library at Joliet School District 86 to regularly feature student artwork.
“It’s just been really popular,” Hewlett said. “These kids come in and they’re so proud to see their art displayed in the library.”
Hewlett said, especially when some people may be spending extra money for activities around the holidays, the price of the exhibit can’t be beat.
“It’s something nice you can do for free,” Hewlett said.
Discover Exoplanets: The Search for Alien Worlds will remain at the Ottawa Street Branch through Feb. 28. It is open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. No library card is required for the exhibit. Information is at jolietlibrary.org.
Bill Jones is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
