visitors in the reading room looking at book displays

It’s National Library Week!

Celebrate spring in the library with exhibits, activities, and experiences that explore the role herbs, plants, and flowers have played in the history of science and medicine.

Join our curators and librarians for a fun after-hours event in the Othmer Library’s reading room where you’ll have the opportunity to

  • see unexpected treasures not usually on display
  • get a temporary tattoo
  • make a craft to take home
  • enjoy a taste of spring with a special botanical-themed cake and other light refreshments
  • support the library by adopting collection items
  • and much more!

Admission is free, and registration is required.

Featured image: Cupid Inspiring Plants with Love, hand-colored plate from Robert John Thornton’s A New Illustration of the Sexual System of Linnaeus, 1799.

More events

Research fellow Eva Hemmungs Wirtén.
August 27, 2025
Free

Othmer Library Tour

Curious about the other half of the Science History Institute? Step into the Othmer Library of Chemical History!

Illustration of three microscopes.
August 30, 2025
For Families

Stories of Science: Wellness Month

Join us in our museum EVERY SATURDAY for a family-friendly program that highlights strange and surprising stories from the history of science!

opened book of dye samples looking like bowties
September 5, 2025
First Fridays

First Friday: Books, Meet Their Makers!

Explore historic sample books and accompanying art by members of the Guild of Book Workers.

    Republish

    Copy the above HTML to republish this content. We have formatted the material to follow our guidelines, which include our credit requirements. Please review our full list of guidelines for more information. By republishing this content, you agree to our republication requirements.