Weber County Library System continues springtime ladybug tradition
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- This month, Weber County’s libraries will continue their annual tradition of giving out ladybugs for Earth Day.
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- Patrons await the opening of the Weber County Library System’s Southwest Branch in Roy amid a ladybug giveaway on April 20, 2024.
With Earth Day fast approaching, the Weber County Library System will once again host a slew of events promoting sustainability and conservation, including free ladybug giveaways for the community.
Beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, all of the county’s library branches will be giving away live ladybugs, which act as an Earth-friendly alternative for pest control in gardens. Those interested in receiving a kit are advised to come early as supplies are limited.
“We do it every year at the library,” Heidi Philpot — the Southwest Branch’s youth services librarian — told the Standard-Examiner. “It seems to grow every year and patrons love coming to get free ladybugs. They’re a beneficial bug. For example, you can put them on your rose bushes to control the aphids.”
The county library system has been giving out ladybugs, which also aid in pollination, at least since 2008 when they were dispersed as part of the grand opening festivities for its Pleasant Valley branch. At the time, Pleasant Valley was the county’s first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified building, a designation given to highly efficient and cost-saving green buildings by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Now, all five of the county’s library facilities own that distinction.
“Our buildings are all green buildings,” Philpot said. “We use cleaning products that are green and friendly. We recycle. We use recycled paper for our copy machines. Our landscaping is all done without the use of harmful chemicals.
Events and activities, which are free and open to all ages, vary by location.
“Everybody’s doing something a little bit different this year. The main library is handing out a take-home kit. Here at Southwest, we’re having an open-house style. So, they can come any time during the day and do a craft and do a scavenger hunt and just do a fun activity while they’re here at the library. We just want to show the community that we love the Earth.”
Events are scheduled as follows:
- Main Library, “Earth Day Kit: Capsule Terrariums” at 10 a.m.
Pick up a kit to create a mini closed terrarium while supplies last.
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- North Branch, “Beneficial Bugs” at 3 p.m.
Ladybugs aren’t the only bugs that are beneficial to humans. Come learn about other bugs that help humans and what we can do to help them.
- Ogden Valley Branch, “Nature Art: Earth Day Celebration” at 2 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Day by creating nature-inspired art.
- Ogden Valley Branch, “Natural Cleaning Supplies” at 2 p.m.
Say goodbye to harsh chemicals and discover simple, effective alternatives made from common household ingredients. Supplies will be provided. Registration required.
- Pleasant Valley Branch, “Earth Day: Spring Pollinators” at 2 p.m.
Discover the important role pollinators play in helping plants grow through stories and activities.
- Southwest Branch, “Earth Day Celebration” at 10 a.m.
Pick up your packet of ladybugs and participate in a variety of hands-on activities stationed throughout the library.
For more information, go to https://weberpl.events.mylibrary.digital/series?sn=Earth+Day.
