Reflection 3 on New Models–Beetletopia Living Lab

Video by Yiwen Liao

Beetletopia Living Lab–Bring natural habitats to the library at San Francisco Public Library Merced Branch

Policies. (2019). Sfpl.org.

As reflected in its mission statement, the San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) strives to connect diverse communities to learning, opportunities, and each other.

At the Merced Branch, this mission is exemplified through the collaborative efforts of circulation supervisor Ayaan and children’s librarians Andrea and Kimberly in creating the Beetletopia Living Lab project. This initiative showcases the natural habitats of various insects, including Alien Sun Beetles, Derby’s Flower Beetles, Eastern Hercules Beetle, Royal Goliath Beetle, Texas Gold millipedes, and Giant Chocolate Desert millipedes, through a vivarium display. Like the Nature Library in Thornton, the Nature Library project is an educational and recreational resource, fostering lifelong learning and community engagement through environmental stewardship, creativity, and wellness through experiences, collections, and programs. (Anything Announces Nature Library in Partnership with City of Thornton, 2022). More importantly, this project demonstrates collaborative ways of creating, inventing, and sharing ideas.

​With a vivarium, the Beetletopia Living Lab features species such as Texas Gold millipedes, Alien Sun Beetles, and Eastern Hercules Beetles, each with detailed care instructions and information about their dietary needs, habitats, and lifecycle. For example, millipedes thrive on rotting leaves and wood, while beetles enjoy ripe fruit and beetle jelly.

Image by Yiwen Liao

The display also includes interactive elements, such as a “Seek and Find” activity, encouraging patrons to explore and learn about the insects hands-on. This initiative aligns with SFPL’s mission by providing a space for patrons of all ages to engage with nature, learn about biodiversity, and connect with their community. ​​

Image by Yiwen Liao

The Beetletopia Living Lab educates and inspires curiosity and creativity, demonstrating the library’s role as a community center that supports lifelong learning. By integrating the Beetletopia Living Lab, the Merced Branch provides a medium for observation, storytelling, experiencing, and play. The project transforms the library into a hub for environmental education and community connection (ALA, 2021; Finch, 2025). ​

References:

(n.d.). Objectives [Review of Objectives]. American Library Association. https://www.ala.org/tools/challengesupport/selectionpolicytoolkit/objectives

Paraschiv, P. (2017). Creating a Voice for the Library: Storytelling, Experience, and Play.

Policies. (2019). Sfpl.org. https://sfpl.org/about-us/library-commission/policies#100

Anythink announces Nature Library in partnership with the City of Thornton. (2022, June 21). Anythinklibraries.org. https://www.anythinklibraries.org/news-item/anythink-nature-library?fbclid=IwAR2DgO-k8nU6kNUODo7vTlRXKiEiYSoSeQMC8Aq0QnoLMZoT3d-QKpbSl5M