Kids Get Hands on with Africa at Smiley Library by Carl Baker - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ NOVEMBER ►
S M T W T F S
01 02 03 04 05 06 07
08 09 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 01 02 03 04 05
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Kids Get Hands on with Africa at Smiley Library

By Carl Baker, Community Writer
February 11, 2015 at 11:02am. Views: 71

Students of all ages will be able to explore Africa in a big way when the world's largest map of that continent comes to the A.K. Smiley Public Library in Redlands on Sunday, Feb. 22. The map will be the centerpiece of the library’s first Geography Day, which takes place from noon to 4 p.m. The map, part of the National Geographic Society's Giant Traveling Map program, measures 35-feet-by-26-feet. The map's brightly colored, smooth vinyl surface accurately illustrates the continent's seas, rivers, mountains, countries and capitals. Children will have the opportunity to walk on the map in their socks in order to participate in interactive activities designed to enhance understanding about the wildlife, history and varied cultures of Africa. "Children have a whole new perspective on Africa after they've walked on this map," said Don Beaupre, director of education partnerships for National Geographic Live, the public programming division of the National Geographic Society. "The hands-on and feet-on experience brings the geography of Africa to life in a meaningful way and helps the students understand the connections between people and places." "Thanks to support from our educational partners at the University of Redlands and Esri, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to share this map with youngsters," noted Library Director Don McCue. "We decided to build upon the map's visit by exploring other ways of engaging and encouraging K-8 students in geography. The map itself is so huge, it will be housed next door to the library, thanks to our friends in the Contemporary Club." Activities during Geography Day will take place in several different areas. Upon arrival, young geographers should begin at the Contemporary Club. Here they will receive a "photo passport" which will enable them to earn a “visa” stamp at each of the event's locations. The library's assembly room will provide 10 computers, along with GeoMentors from Esri to demonstrate their Story Maps and ArcGIS Online software. Guests are encouraged to bring their own portable devices as wireless access will be available throughout the library. In the park will be a participatory drum circle featuring African djembe drums, led by percussionist Chazz. The Young Readers Room will feature puzzle activities and many books will be available for checkout that feature African themes. There will be several arts and crafts projects to complete as well. Children whose passports have stamps for each activity will receive a complimentary geography book courtesy of Esri. Free admission to Smiley Library Geography Day is sponsored by the University of Redlands, Esri, and the A.K. Smiley Public Library. The library is located at 125 W. Vine Street.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

November 3, 2026 at 03:26pm. Views: 727

Athlete of the Week Christopher Michael Lemos, Redlands High School Junior and Varsity Quarterback, proudly represents the Terriers with his dedication, leadership, and passion for the game.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

November 3, 2026 at 03:26pm. Views: 1189

Redlands Pottery Project joins A.K. Smiley Public Library for a November 14 workshop designed for young artists ages 13 to 18. A lump of clay may not look like much at first. In the hands of a young artist, however, it can become a bowl, a decorative sculpture or an entirely unexpected creation.

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.redlands.edu/

By William Cortez, Community Writer

November 3, 2026 at 03:26pm. Views: 2713

The University of Redlands Department of Theatre and Dance will present Día de los Muertos and Other Folk Tales November 5 through 8, 2026. Stories told by grandparents often become treasured parts of a family's history. Some are humorous, others mysterious, and many carry lessons that remain meaningful long after the storyteller is gone.

Photo Courtesy of: UC San Diego's ALERTCalifornia

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

November 3, 2026 at 03:26pm. Views: 798

A remote wildfire-monitoring camera overlooks a Southern California landscape. Redlands has partnered with UC San Diego's ALERTCalifornia program to improve monitoring of areas near northern Redlands and the Santa Ana River wash.

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.akspl.org/events/

By William Cortez, Community Writer

November 3, 2026 at 03:26pm. Views: 1581

Annual ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial Shrine will bring American history to life on November 21. On a November morning in Redlands, the sounds of fifes, drums and historic artillery will offer residents an opportunity to experience a chapter of American history that continues to influence the nation more than 160 years after the Civil War.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

November 3, 2026 at 03:18pm. Views: 728

The first years of a child's life are filled with milestones that families often remember forever. A baby's first smile, the first attempt to crawl and the first spoken words are moments of celebration. They can also bring questions, uncertainty and new responsibilities for parents learning how to care for a growing child.

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.csusb.edu/

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

November 3, 2026 at 03:06pm. Views: 784

CSUSB’s Department of Physics and Astronomy has earned recognition for it for its work to create a more inclusive, diverse and supportive physics department, earning the Bronze Award from the American Association for the Advancement of Science Physics & Astronomy SEA Change program.

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.naco.org/program/operation-green-light-veterans

By William Cortez, Community Writer

November 3, 2026 at 03:06pm. Views: 1854

Operation Green Light returns November 4–11, encouraging residents to recognize military service and help veterans connect with available resources. As darkness settles over San Bernardino during the first week of November, green lights will illuminate several county buildings, transforming familiar government facilities into visible reminders of the sacrifices made by America's military veterans.

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.authentikusa.com/

By Amanda Spencer, Community Writer

November 3, 2026 at 03:06pm. Views: 834

As America's most famous highway celebrates its centennial in 2026, San Bernardino reflects on the road that helped shape its neighborhoods, businesses and identity. Long before interstate highways became the preferred routes for cross-country travel, motorists making their way through San Bernardino followed a road that would become one of the most recognizable highways in American history.

Photo Courtesy of: Corina Borsuk and provided courtesy of SBCUSD

By Amanda Spencer, Community Writer

November 3, 2026 at 03:06pm. Views: 649

Muscoy Elementary students join SBCUSD Superintendent Mauricio Arellano, Board of Education President Mayra Ceballos, Assistant Superintendents Dr. Sandra Rodriguez and Dr. Tasha Doizan, Director MaryRone Goodwin and San Bernardino County Supervisor Joe Baca Jr. for the official ribbon cutting ceremony that opened the school’s new outdoor learning center.

Photo Courtesy of: https://riversiderecord.org/; A photo of Moreno Valley City Hall. (Alicia Ramirez/The Riverside Record) Credit: (Photo by Alicia

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 27, 2026 at 02:39pm. Views: 938

A city is often judged by what residents experience every day: the condition of its streets, the reliability of public services, the availability of recreational programs and the ease of obtaining information from local government. Behind those everyday experiences are departments and employees whose work rarely attracts national attention.

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

October 27, 2026 at 02:39pm. Views: 846

Athlete of the Week Zachary Scott Perez, Senior at John W. North High School, is recognized as Athlete of the Week for his dedication and accomplishments as a student athlete.

--> -->