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Guest Blog: Natural Inquirer in the Little Free Library

Sharing a love of reading — and free Natural Inquirer goodies — through the Little Free Library network

Take a book, share a book. This is the motto of Little Free Library, a volunteer-led book exchange network that builds community, inspires readers, and expands reading access.

A little free library full of books with a decorative flag underneath.
Lori Vinton’s Little Free Library stocked with Natural Inquirer materials. Photo courtesy of Margaret Gregory.

About five years ago, my Mother’s Day present to myself was a sharing library box that my husband and I installed in our yard. I have always loved reading and wanted to share this love with our neighbors, especially the kids who walk by on the way to the park or to school.

 

As steward for the library, I like to feature diverse, colorful books.  I appreciate the people who share their pre-loved books with my library, and I also try to supplement it with new items. Of course, I try to buy them as cheaply as possible.

 

The books I put in the library about animals and nature quickly disappear. So when my daughter (who works for the Forest Service as a science writer-editor) told me about the Natural Inquirer program, I quickly started ordering from them. I can order so many interesting, diverse products from the program — all for free!

 

I like to feature books and other materials starring girls and women who love science. The women scientist and engineer cards are a great addition to the library, and did I mention they’re free? And since I still have my stuffed Smokey Bear that I got when I was 6 (see Lori’s profile pic!), you know that I ordered some copies of “Meet Smokey Bear’s Team,” too.

 

So thanks, Natural Inquirer, from a grateful Little Free Library steward!

Some of Lori's Favorites

Check out Lori’s picks for her Little Lending Library! Help us inspire the next generation of natural resource scientists.

PDF preview of the cover of

Meet Smokey Bear’s Team – Vol. 1 No. 12

Natural Inquirer Women Scientist & Engineer Cards

Women in Science & Engineering Cards

Natural Inquirer Wildlife Scientist Cards

Wildlife Scientists Cards

Dr. Flitcroft in front of water

Meet Dr. Flitcroft! – Vol. 1 No. 7

Stephanie Laseter in a snowy field holding a cylindrical tool

Meet Ms. Laseter! – Vol. 1 No. 4

Cover of Meet Dr. Hoagland featuring Dr. Hoagland wearing binoculars and carrying a clipboard and an illustration of Woodsy Owl

Meet Dr. Hoagland! – Vol. 1 No. 11

Dr. Ford wearing a bucket hat in a desert

Meet Dr. Ford! – Vol. 1 No. 6

Meet Dr. Jovan cover

Meet Dr. Jovan! – Vol. 1 No. 9

A woman holds a vintage stuffed Smokey Bear toy.

Lori Vinton

I live in Nebraska and work part-time as office manager of my husband’s law office. We have three adult children, and my favorite memories involve reading to them. Now I get to make new reading memories with our two grandchildren....