MCPL Nature Explorium

About the Explorium

Middle Country Public Library is proud to be the first library in the nation to offer the Nature Explorium, an outdoor learning space for children and families. The Nature Explorium, a certified Nature Explore classroom, contains a variety of areas, all geared toward connecting children to a different aspect of nature. Whether they're reflecting on a poem under a willow tree, climbing on a tree stump, or expressing artistic talent through song and dance on the Play It stage, children will discover the gift of nature.

When children have regular contact with nature, they learn and grow better. Dedicated to exploration and discovery, the Nature Explorium provides children with the opportunity to learn and reinforce valuable life experiences, including the development of observation skills, visual-spatial skills, and social skills. By providing this outdoor area for the community, the Library offers a unique way to connect literacy, learning and an appreciation for nature as a regular part of the library visit.

Know before you go

While in the Nature Explorium:

The Explorium is reserved for children (birth through 8th grade ), their parents, caregivers, and guardians

Both upper and lower body coverings must be worn

Footwear is required

No bathing suits

No eating, nor snacking in the Nature Explorium, visitors may eat in the lobby of the Library

In extreme weather conditions, the Nature Explorium may need to be temporarily closed and its programs moved indoors.

Before visiting, please call 631-585-9393 ext. 559 to confirm the outdoor space is open

All library policies are applicable in the Nature Explorium, including the Patron Behavior Policy found at www.mcplibrary.org/patron-behavior-policy

Visit us

The Nature Explorium is located at Middle Country Public Library in Centereach, NY. The entrance is in the Children’s department.

101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach, NY 11720

(631)585-9393 ext. 559

www.natureexplorium.org

Middle Country residents are given priority access to the Explorium. If the Explorium becomes overly crowded as determined by the supervising staff member, non-residents will be asked to leave the space. When special programs are being conducted in the Explorium, access will be limited to those patrons who are registered for the program.