By: Michelle Thomas, Adjunct Life Science Librarian

Learning about the world through stories, pictures, and real-world connections is a powerful way to capture attention and promote learning. Queens College Library invites you to stop by and explore our newest 3rd floor display, “Our Amazing Ecosystems”.

The goal of this display is to spark curiosity through a selection of interesting and artistic books while also engaging readers in learning and understanding how plants, animals, and environments interact to create and maintain their ecosystems. From the tiniest insect in Insect-o-rama to the tallest tree in The Gift of the Tree, everything plays a role.

Amazing Ecosystems Library Book Display (3rd floor)

The display is thoughtfully arranged to showcase various ecosystems (safari, marine, grasslands) and elements (plants, animals, weather) allowing readers to “travel” from one environment to another by moving along the display. Visually rich non-fiction selections like, Perfectly Peculiar Plants and Secrets of the Sea introduce rare and unique species, while titles like Life on Earth: The Story of Evolution provide factual and striking imagery. Adventure-based science storytelling is also included in titles like, Planting the Wild Garden and What’s for Dinner?, which bridges imagination with scientific exploration.

To encourage deeper engagement, the display incorporates guiding questions:

• What happens when one species disappears?
  • See: Extinctopedia or Don’t Squish a Slug
• How do plants and animals depend on each other?
  • See: All the Water in the World or The Reason for a Flower
• Why do certain organisms thrive in specific climates?
  • See: Change is in the Air or Wiggling Worms at Work

Our 3rd floor display has something for everyone! Interesting facts, intriguing art, and fascinating discoveries. It is designed to teach in a way that feels visually inviting and intellectually engaging for learners while still resonating with the broader academic community. This display is an invitation to explore, learn, and appreciate the amazing ecosystems in the world we live in, we hope you enjoy!

See Our Amazing Ecosystem 3rd Floor Display information (PDF)