Libraries have always been community hubs—accessible, trusted, and deeply connected to the people they serve. SciStarter recognized that if people could borrow scientific tools like the AirBeam the same way they borrow books, it could remove one of the biggest obstacles to community participation in science.

When SciStarter—a non-profit that brings together science, community, and researchers—first began exploring why people were interested in citizen science but not actually joining projects, they uncovered a common theme: access. People were browsing citizen science opportunities online but not participating. Guided by its mission to expand public participation in science, SciStarter analyzed website data and conducted over a hundred interviews with project leaders, volunteers, and researchers and discovered that a major barrier to involvement was the lack of access to necessary tools at home. Given their finding that even small barriers were enough to stop potential volunteers from participating in citizen science projects, the question became how to make participation easier so more people could easily engage in science. 

That’s where libraries came in. Libraries have always been community hubs—accessible, trusted, and deeply connected to the people they serve. SciStarter recognized that if people could borrow scientific tools like the AirBeam the same way they borrow books, it could remove one of the biggest obstacles to community participation in science. They began developing Citizen Science Library Kits with six pilot libraries in the greater Phoenix area. Each kit included AirBeams, hands-on materials, and step-by-step project guides, so community members could explore local environmental issues for themselves. 

Librarians co-created the kits alongside SciStarter, tailoring them to fit their communities. Some served youth programs and science clubs, while others reached older adults or residents concerned about local pollution. Researchers helped guide the process to ensure the data collected would be meaningful. The results were immediate. Libraries quickly became gateways for engagement, helping people move from curiosity to participation.

One of the most impactful stories came from a community in Arizona living near an active mine. Residents used AirBeams from their library kits to measure local air quality and discovered a serious issue: the mine was blasting without public notice, and trucks were stirring up dust on unauthorized roads. People in the area were getting sick. With data collected from AirBeams, the community had concrete evidence to share, and their advocacy led to the mine being shut down. What began as an air quality monitoring project evolved into something far more powerful—a story of community action, data-driven decision-making, and environmental justice.

The success of the pilot libraries sparked a movement and strengthened community ties. Within a few years, the Citizen Science Library Kit Program grew to include over 100 libraries across Arizona. Each library adapted the model to their own needs: some focusing on air quality, others on biodiversity, water monitoring, or light pollution. Beyond providing access to tools like AirBeam, libraries became places for collaboration and skill-building. Librarians hosted workshops, organized neighborhood monitoring days, and helped residents interpret the data they collected. In many cases, librarians gained new skills in science communication and data literacy, expanding their professional roles.

Over time, SciStarter and its partners refined the kits, making them open-source and customizable so libraries everywhere could adapt them to local needs. Some libraries built entire programs around them, while others added citizen science to existing community activities like gardening clubs or environmental fairs. Since the SciStarter AirBeam rental program began, dozens of AirBeams have been purchased at libraries across the country. Throughout this growth, AirBeams continue to play a key role—helping participants see, understand, and respond to the air quality around them.

What started as a pilot to reduce participation barriers has evolved into a nationwide model for community-driven science. The Citizen Science Library Kit Program continues to expand, fueled by local stories and growing partnerships between libraries, researchers, and residents. Every time a new kit goes out on a library shelf, another community gets the chance to ask questions, collect data, and tell its own story. 

View SciStarter’s library network to search for a Citizen Science Kit near you.