discover exoplanets:
the search for alien worlds
An interactive, all ages exhibit from NASA – only available at TEN sites NATIONWIDE – is coming to the JOLIET PUBLIC LIBRARY OTTAWA STREET BRANCH!
Experience space through the debut of our interactive Exoplanet exhibit, available all hours the Library is open.
WHEN: DECEMBER 11, 2024-FEBRUARY 28, 2025
WHERE: All levels of the Ottawa Street Branch (150 N. Ottawa Street)
about
Joliet Public Library has been selected as one of just ten libraries across the United States to host this interactive, traveling exhibit from NASA. The exhibit is FREE to all, and is self-guided. Staff at the Library are trained on how the exhibit works and can assist if needed!
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 9am-9pm, Saturday: 9am-5pm, Sunday: 1-5pm
Media Contact: Mallory Hewlett · mhewlett@jolietlibrary.org
What is an exoplanet?
An exoplanet is any planet beyond our solar system. Most of them orbit other stars, but some free-floating exoplanets, called rogue planets, are untethered to any star. NASA has confirmed more than 5,600 exoplanets out of the billions believed to exist.
What ages do you suggest for the exhibit?
All ages are welcome to visit this interactive exhibit! The Library will also be hosting different events and activities to celebrate Discover Exoplanets.
do i need a library card to see the exhibit?
The Discover Exoplanets exhibit is open to everyone, whether you are visiting or are a JPL patron! Come check out the exhibit, our Library and downtown Joliet! No tickets are needed and the exhibit is completely free!
what kinds of things does the exhibit offer?
The exhibit offers hands-on interactive activities where visitors can explore space science and astronomy, the search for habitable worlds beyond our solar system and how NASA scientists are searching for these worlds.
will the library offer tours of the exhibit?
Library staff will be trained on how to use the exhibit, but it was designed to be a self-guided. You can take as much time as you need to interact with the full exhibit, or come back for return visits!
art show-submissions open until december 1, 2024!
ARTWORK OPEN SUBMISSIONS for students ages 5-18.
From December through February, our programs, displays, activities and events will focus on space and exploring the world outside our solar system. To add to the exhibit, the Youth Art Gallery on the second floor of the Joliet Public Library–Ottawa Street Branch will feature imaginative artwork from students from 5-18 years old emphasizing the vastness of the universe, new planets, aliens, and the technology and people who are working to see beyond our galaxy. The student art show will be featured in the gallery from December 11, 2024 through January 31, 2025, with a special exhibit and art show opening event on December 11 at 6 p.m. for the selected artwork.
Submission guidelines:
Any medium is welcome. Most of the work will hang in the gallery. However, there is space for 3D work in a glass display case, so 3D is very welcome.
Paper artwork should be no larger than 11”x17” or 17”x11” in order to fit in our snap frames. Anything else should be premounted. If you have questions about our hanging gallery system, please contact Laura Yanchick at lyanchick@jolietlibrary.org.
Students should attach a submission form to the back of their art with their name, title of the piece (if any), medium and contact information. The submission forms are available here (English) or here (Spanish) or at the library when they submit their artwork. Artists chosen for the show will be notified by December 6, 2024.
Deadline for finished pieces is December 1, 2024. They may bring their artwork to the Youth Services Department at either Joliet Public Library location starting on November 1, 2024. Opening night of the exhibit will be Wednesday, December 11 from 6-7:30 pm at 150 N. Ottawa St, Joliet, IL. The exhibit will be up through January 31.
Any questions, please contact Laura Yanchick at lyanchick@jolietlibrary.org or (815)846-3126.
events
Wednesday, December 11 at 6:00pm-7:30pm
ALL AGES-No registration/Drop-in
Ottawa Street Branch, 150 N. Ottawa Street, Joliet
Join us on this special night for the opening of the Exoplanet exhibit! Learn more about the wonder beyond our solar system through 30 minute presentations in a digital dome, given by JJC planetarium coordinator Caitlin Lee. Other stations will be available throughout the building, including activities for adults, kids, and teens.
Explore Exoplanets Storytimes
December 9, 10, 12, 18
Ages 18 mo-6 years, no registration
Both Locations
A chance for children to explore the idea of exoplanets and space through stories and songs in a group environment with a craft.
DIY: Craft Your Own Exoplanet
Monday, December 16 at 3:00pm-6:00pm
Adults, no registration
Black Road Branch, 3395 Black Road, Joliet
Create Your Own Exoplanet! Join us at the library for a fun DIY crafting session where you can design your own unique exoplanet using provided art supplies.
No registration needed—just bring your imagination and get ready to explore the cosmos through creativity!
DIY: Craft Your Own Exoplanet
Monday, December 18 at 3:00pm-6:00pm
Adults-No registration
Ottawa Street Branch, 150 N. Ottawa Street, Joliet
Create Your Own Exoplanet! Join us at the library for a fun DIY crafting session where you can design your own unique exoplanet using provided art supplies.
No registration needed—just bring your imagination and get ready to explore the cosmos through creativity!
Thursday, December 19 at 6:00pm-7:00pm
Adults, register here.
Online/Virtual
Get ready to be amazed by the mysteries that lie beyond our solar system! Join John Cilio on an exciting 50-minute journey as he sets out to explore the wonders of the universe.
Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 6:00pm-7:00pm
Adults, register here
Online/Virtual
Exciting news everyone! America is heading back to the Moon with the incredible Artemis missions!
Preschool Explorers-Outer Space Edition
Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 at 10:30-11:30am
Ages 2-5 with adult, registration required
Ottawa Street Branch, 150 N. Ottawa Street, Joliet
Children will hear stories, enjoy music, and explore the topic with hands-on activities.
Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 6:30-8:00pm
Adults, register here.
Ottawa Street Branch, 150 N. Ottawa Street, Joliet
Dayna Ise, Director of the Mars Campaign Office and native of Joliet presents on the Artemis Program, sending the first woman and person of color to the moon, and continued exploration of Mars.
Space Robots
Monday, January 27 at 4-5:30pm
Grades 3-8, registration required
Ottawa Street Branch, 150 N. Ottawa Street, Joliet
Your mission: help our robots explore space! We’ll be engineering solutions and coding with real robots.
Family Field Trip: Joliet Junior College Planetarium
Thursday, January 30 at 4:30-5:30pm
Ages 4+ with adult, registration required
JJC Planetarium, F Building
JJC Main Campus
1215 Houbolt Rd. Joliet, IL 60431
Take a trip through space at the Joliet Junior College Planetarium. Please arrive five minutes early. Registration required for each person attending.
Perler Bead Exoplanets
Thursday, Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 1:00-2:00pm
Grades 7-12, registration required
Ottawa Street Branch, 150 N. Ottawa Street, Joliet
Make your own Exoplanet out of Perler beads.
Homeschool Hangout: Exoplanets Edition
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 1:00-2:00pm
Children of all ages with adult, no registration
Ottawa Street Branch, 150 N. Ottawa Street, Joliet
Come hang out at the Library! Meet other homeschoolers and to go through our Explore Exoplanets: Discover Alien Worlds exhibit and scavenger hunt together.
Space Explorers
Wednesday, February 12 at 4:00-5:00pm
Grades K-5, registration required
Ottawa Street Branch, 150 N. Ottawa Street, Joliet
How do scientists explore space without leaving earth? Find out about some tools of the trade and design your own planets in an event that is out of this world!
Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 6:00-7:00pm
Adults, register here.
Online/Virtual
The space race began decades ago as a competition between two superpowers, but there are now 90 nations operating in space. Join John Cilio as he highlights the global space renaissance underway.
Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 7-8:30pm
Adults, register here.
Ottawa Street Branch, 150 N. Ottawa Street, Joliet
Michelle Nichols, Director of Public Observing at the Adler Planetarium, will present a fascinating discussion of Exoplanets!
Alien Dance Party
Monday, February 24, 2025 at 6:30-7:30pm
Children of all ages, registration required
Ottawa Street Branch, 150 N. Ottawa Street, Joliet
If life exists elsewhere in the universe, it could look very different from life on Earth. Check out what our pretend planet looks like (It includes a dance floor!) and create your own alien to join the party! Space-themed costumes are encouraged.
Discover Exoplanets: The Search for Alien Worlds is made possible through NASA’s Universe of Learning. NASA’s Universe of Learning materials are based upon work supported by NASA under award number NNX16AC65A to the Space Telescope Science Institute, working in partnership with Caltech/IPAC, Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian, and Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.