Casper College partners with Natrona County Library in Big Read

The Natrona County Library serves as the hub for the National Endowment for the Arts Big Read initiative. This year’s program, in partnership with Casper College, features the book “Lab Girl” by Hope Jahren and explores the theme “Our Nature” through community events. (Casper College image)

The Casper College School of Science is partnering with the Natrona County Library in the library’s Big Read Grant project, focusing on four events: a plant biology open house at Casper College; a talk by Susan J. Tweit at the college’s Werner Wildlife Museum; a Living Room Conversation at Scarlow’s Art and Coffee; and a special presentation featuring Tweit in Durham Auditorium at Casper College.

According to Jared James, Casper College School of Science program coordinator, the college’s partnership with the library’s National Endowment for the Arts Big Read initiative, centered on the book “Lab Girl” by Hope Jahren, takes place during Earth Week, which concludes annually on Earth Day, April 22.

The partnership was perfect for Casper College, as the four events detailed below align with the themes found in “Lab Girl” … “include hands-on learning, community discussion, and environmental stewardship,” said James.

The Plant Biology Open House will be held on Thursday, April 16, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Wold Physical Science Center. Participants will join the Casper College biology faculty for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at plant science collections and resource areas. The open house will feature an exploration of the Casper College Herbarium, plant microscopy demonstrations, and a visit to the college’s greenhouse. Attendees are asked to meet at the Foucault Pendulum in the Wold Physical Science Center lobby.

On Monday, April 20, separate from other public events, Casper College students will participate in a book discussion of “Lab Girl,” with Charlotte Snoberger, a biology instructor, leading the conversation on the themes of scientific curiosity, observation, and personal narrative that are central to “Lab Girl.”

The Werner Wildlife Museum’s popular Werner Wildlife Series will feature the talk “Ditch and Meadow: The Power of Bringing Native Plants Home” by botanist and writer Susan J. Tweit. In her illustrated talk, Tweit will explore how caring for the natural world can lead to renewal close to home and how indigenous plants help create healthy natural communities. Tweit’s talk will run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, at the museum.

At 6:30 p.m., a Living Room Conversation on climate change will start. Cara Rodriguez, Casper College English instructor, and Julia Whyde, dean of the Casper College School of Fine Arts and Humanities, will moderate. The event at Scarlow’s Art and Coffee requires preregistration due to limited space. Register by calling the library at 307-577-7323.

The final event, “The Life of a Plant Girl: Science and Storytelling from Both Sides of the Brain,” will be held on Wednesday, April 22, from 6-7 p.m. in Durham Auditorium in Aley Hall. The event will feature an evening of science, storytelling, and connection, inspired by the book “Lab Girl” and the NEA Big Read theme “Our Nature,” according to Kasen Urhammer, the library’s marketing and PR manager.

Botanist and writer Tweit will explore what storytelling has to teach science — and how science can deepen the stories we tell. “Presented in partnership with the Casper College School of Science, this special event brings together community members, students, and nature enthusiasts to reflect on what it means to be human in relationship with the living world,” said Urhamer. “Tweit will draw from her experience in ‘re-storying’ nature, as she shares personal narrative and ecological insight, revealing how careful observation, curiosity, and imagination work together to help us understand both landscapes and ourselves,” added Urhamer.

All events are free and open to the public. These events are part of the Natrona County Library’s NEA Big Read grant administered by Arts Midwest. The library noted that the theme for the 2025-2026 grant year is Our Nature, which encourages participants to explore and understand each person’s relationship with the physical environment through reading, discussion, writing, and creative activities.

At a Glance:

• Plant Biology Open House (April 16): An exclusive look at Casper College’s plant science collections, including herbarium and greenhouse tours.
• “Ditch and Meadow” Talk (April 21): Botanist and writer Susan J. Tweit presents an illustrated talk at the Werner Wildlife Museum on the power of native plants.
• Living Room Conversation (April 21): A moderated community discussion on climate change held at Scarlow’s Art and Coffee (preregistration required).
• “The Life of a Plant Girl” (April 22): A final presentation by Susan J. Tweit in Durham Auditorium exploring the intersection of science and storytelling.