The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Free Public Library:
The library that brought you Space Week is landing back on planet earth. May 5-8, the Watertown Free Public Library (WFPL) is hosting its first-ever Fungus Week! Community members of all ages are invited to learn more about our most underrated bio kingdom: fungi!
During Fungus Week, children will have a chance to learn “How Trees Talk” with the help of fungus. Grades 6–12 will be able to observe mushrooms growing in enclosed habitats in the Teen Room, and adults can register to learn the principles of fermentation, mushroom identification, and more. WFPL will also provide ample opportunities for fungus-inspired crafting, for all ages!
“My favorite thing about hiking is spotting mushrooms I’ve never seen before,” says WFPL Children’s Librarian Kathleen Brennan. “To me, they’re like quietly hidden Easter eggs with surprising decorations. I like to admire the diversity in their appearance and learn about their unique functions in the ecosystem. Once I learned how fungi create underground networks to cooperate and communicate with plants, I was hooked. Scientists are only just beginning to discover how fungi can heal people and the planet!”
Here’s a look at everything that the Library has planned for Fungus Week:
FOR CHILDREN
- How Trees Talk
Mon. May 5 | 4 PM | Ages 5-11 | Learn how trees talk with fungus. No registration. - Dangerous Fungus
Tue. May 6 | 4 PM | Ages 5-11 | Make and take a fungus craft! No registration. - Fungus Heroes
Wed. May 7 | 4 PM | Ages 5-11 | Make and take a fungus craft! No registration. - Glow-in-the-Dark Mushrooms
Thu. May 8 | 4 PM | Ages 5-11 | Make your own glowing mushroom! No registration.
FOR TEENS
- Felted Wool Mushrooms
Tues, 5/6 | 3:30 PM | Grades 6-12 | Make a felted mushroom by poking wool! Registration is suggested for this awesome, stabby craft as supplies are limited. Registration required. - Mushroom Jars
Wed, 5/7 | 3:30 PM | Grades 6-12 | Turn a baby food jar into an adorable mushroom container! Registration is suggested for this cute craft as supplies are limited. No registration.
Mushroom Petting Zoo
Mon – Sun, 5/5 – 5/11 | Teen Room | Grades 6-12 | Stop by the Teen Room to see what our mushroom kits have produced! No registration.
FOR ADULTS
- Mushroom Embroidery with deColores Crafts
Tue. 5/6 | 6:30 | Create fun mushroom embroidery art! Registration required. - Mushroom Identification & the Art of Spore Printing
Wed. 5/7 | 7 PM | Use mushroom spores for identification and prints! No registration. - Fermented Pickles with F-Word Farm
Thu. 5/8 | 7 PM | Learn the principles of fermentation! No registration.
Learn more, browse fungus-ey booklists, and register for programs at watertownlib.org/fungus
About WFPL
The Watertown Free Public Library provides access to a wide variety of popular materials, resources, services, and programs that fulfill the informational, cultural, and recreational needs of Watertown and surrounding communities. Our Library works to create an environment that attracts and welcomes users of all ages and abilities. For more, visit watertownlib.org.