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 – Youth 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 punctuate this exhibition:

• a guided and animated tour on September 21 at 4 p.m.;
• biblionaturalist workshops on October 12 at 4 p.m. as part of the Fête de la Science (Science Festival).

LITTERNATURE is a grand naturalistic exploration of children's literature.

The project aims to create a participatory inventory, with the help of young audiences, of the plants and insects that hide in children's books of all genres. This project includes a traveling exhibition and educational workshops.

Launched in 2019 with support from Europe and the Occitanie region, the LITTERNATURE project is a scientific culture program that explores biodiversity and methods of classifying living organisms through children's literature. Its objective is to work with stakeholders in the literary world (bookshops, media libraries, authors, etc.) and their young audiences to compile a collaborative inventory of the biodiversity observed in children's books.

LITTERNATURE includes a traveling exhibition, literary and naturalist workshops, training courses for librarians, a website hosting the participatory inventory, and more.

The exhibition consists of a large number of items from Montpellier's many laboratories (CIRAD, ISEM, UM, etc.) and collections (UM herbarium, UM paleontology collections, SHHNH, etc.). It aims to present insects and plants in all their diversity, based on stories of the discovery of new species, classification, surprising anecdotes, and scientific news, always linking them to children's literature.

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

The University of Montpellier and the project partners also offer a wide range of naturalist and literary workshops to explore bibliobiodiversity.

Practical information:

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

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

Location: Emile Zola Media Library, 218 Boulevard de l’Aéroport International, 34000 Montpellier (1st and 2nd floors, youth section).

Opening hours: Tuesday and Friday (12pm-7pm), Wednesday (10am-7pm), Thursday (12pm-9pm), Saturday (10am-6:30pm), Sunday (from October 2, 2:30pm-6pm).

• Learn more

• Inventory website