Community Read

In 2024, we again join local libraries and community partners for the eleventh year of the Longwood Gardens’ Community Read — a program designed to encourage reading for pleasure and start a conversation. For the upcoming year, we offer a variety of programs to enjoy these amazing selections.

The Secret Garden

In the children’s book, The Secret Garden, based on the book by Frances Hodgson Burnett, the characters discover a secret all their own.

The Last Garden in England

In the book, The Last Garden in England, by Julia Kelly, we follow multiple women over time who come to appreciate the same garden.

Mobile Museum Outreach Program

In the children’s book, The Secret Garden, based on the book by Frances Hodgson Burnett, the characters discover a secret all their own.

As part of the Longwood Gardens Community Read Program, the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science comes to you. This program is great for organizations such as libraries, daycares, after-school groups, and classrooms.

Who doesn’t love a secret? The Secret Garden will come to you with one of our educators. Learn to love the outdoors through this interactive hour including an interactive book reading, a scene-setting 10×10 tent, and plenty of touchable specimens. Be prepared to get dirty hands!

$150 per program, maximum 40 participants.

Events

Registration opens in the Winter.

Paint, Prattle & Pinot

Saturday, March 23 | 6 p.m.

Literature and art lovers, join us for this fun
and relaxing evening among old and new friends as we discuss Last Garden in England. We’ll take it up a notch by creating a garden-themed painting led by Jess Myers, scientist and artist. Art supplies, a light snack, and one glass of wine are included, additional beverages available for purchase.
Pre-registration required by March 19, 2024. Ages 21+ only. Maximum 25 participants.

$40/DelMNS members, $55/non-members

Canvas, Conversations & Chamomile

Wednesday, April 24 | 1 p.m.

Seniors, join us as we discuss The Last Garden in England while painting your own work of art related to the book. Jess Myers, a scientist and artist, offers her painting and nature expertise. Even if you didn’t read the book, join us for lively conversation, creating a work of art, and tasty nibbles. Pre-registration required. Pre-registration required.

$30 per person

Fairy Tale Saturday

Saturday, April 27 | 10 a.m.

Dress up as your favorite fairy tale character and join Ms. Ofelia (dressed as a character herself) for storytime, followed by a variety of themed activities throughout the museum, including a floral craft, a blooming science experiment of color, a bug identification station, and more. Preregistration suggested.

$3/DelMNS members, $17/non-members (ages 3 and up), $7/non-member toddlers (ages 1-2). Price includes admission for the day.