Science on Tap: How Loudoun Public Library Brought Cutting-Edge Science to the Public
Join Loudoun County (Va.) Public Library to learn about Science on Tap, a monthly program where nationally and internationally recognized experts present cutting-edge scientific information ... in a brewery.
Science on Tap achieves three goals: it provides a platform for people to learn about the latest science accessibly; helps scientists get valuable feedback from the public; and provides networking opportunities for scientists, those in science fields and science-minded individuals.
The series has featured presentations on a variety of topics including brain evolution, climate change, wind turbines, alcoholic fermentation and bomb forensics.
Having the program in a brewery was a leap of faith. But it worked, and in 2019, Loudoun County Public Library won ALA's Excellence in Library Programming Award for the series.
In this session, participants will learn how to:
- Organize a Science on Tap-like event
- Find scientists
- Host a program in a brewery
Resources
Lorraine Moffa first started working in a library in high school as a page at her public library. Since then she has worked as an executive secretary at Seventeen magazine, a literary agent assistant at William Morris, an account executive at Young & Rubicam Advertising Agency, a librarian at Weider History Group, and currently as the programming coordinator for Loudoun County Public Library. She has attended George Mason University, the University of Colorado and Colorado State University.
Susan VanEpps is the division manager for programming and community engagement at Loudoun County Public Library. Prior to that she served 16 years in economic development for Loudoun County and four years in higher education administration for the University of Virginia. She holds a master’s degree in public administration and bachelor’s degrees in history and archaeology.
