Launch of the “LITTERNATURE” exhibition, which explores biodiversity in children’s literature

Emile Zola Central Media Library – 218 Boulevard de l’Aéroport international – 34000 Montpellier.
1st and 2nd floors – Children’s section.

The "LITTERNATURE " exhibition on insects and plants will be on display at the Émile Zola Media Library in Montpellier from September 20 to October 16, 2022.

Two highlights will mark this exhibition:

• a guided and interactive tour on September 21 at 4:00 p.m.;
• Biblionaturalist workshops on October 12 at 4:00 p.m. as part of the Fête de la Science.

LITTERNATURE is a comprehensive exploration of naturalism in children's literature.

The project aims to create a participatory inventory, in collaboration with young people, of the plants and insects hidden in children’s books of all genres. The project includes a traveling exhibition and educational workshops.

Launched in 2019 with support from the European Union and the Occitanie Region, the LITTERNATURE project is a science education program aimed at exploring biodiversity and methods of classifying living organisms through children’s literature. Its goal: to create a collaborative inventory, in partnership with stakeholders in the literary world (bookstores, libraries, authors, etc.) and their young audiences, of the biodiversity depicted in children’s books.

LITTERNATURE features a traveling exhibition, literary and nature workshops, training sessions for librarians, and a website serving as the hub for the participatory inventory…

The exhibition features a large number of items drawn from various laboratories in Montpellier (CIRAD, ISEM, UM) and collections (theUM herbarium, theUM paleontology collections, SHHNH, etc.). It aims to showcase insects and plants in all their diversity, drawing on stories of new species discoveries, classification, surprising anecdotes, and current scientific developments, while always making the connection to children’s literature.

Consisting of about ten panels, five display cases, multimedia content, and other museum exhibits, it is free to visit, is aimed at upper-elementary school students, but can be enjoyed by everyone.

The University of Montpellier and the project’s partners also offer a wide range of nature and literature workshops to explore “biblio-biodiversity.”

Practical Information:

Exhibition opening: Tuesday, September 20, at 12:00 p.m. – Closing: Sunday, October 16, at 6:00 p.m.

Guided tours and activities: Wednesday, September 21, and Wednesday, October 12, at 4:00 p.m.

Location: Emile Zola Media Library, 218 Bd de l’Aéroport international, 34000 Montpellier (1st and 2nd floors, children’s section).

Hours: Tuesday and Friday (12:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.), Wednesday (10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.), Thursday (12:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.), Saturday (10:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m.), Sunday (starting October 2, 2:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m.).

• Learn more

• Inventory Website