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CHICAGO – The ¹ú²úÊÓƵÍø (ALA), in collaboration with the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History’s (NMNH) Human Origins Program, is pleased to announce six public libraries selected to host the traveling exhibition Exploring Human Origins: Promoting a National Conversation on Human Evolution.

The six libraries will host the exhibit for a six-to nine-week loan period from December 2023 through July 2026. Selected through a competitive application process, the libraries will engage local audiences in a respectful and welcoming atmosphere to explore how, when and where human qualities emerged. The exhibit consists of panels, interactive kiosks, hands-on displays and videos.

The libraries will present programs by the NMNH Human Origins Program. View the list of selected sites.

The traveling exhibition is based on in 2010 to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the museum. The goal of the exhibition is to encourage a public conversation that focuses on multiple perspectives on what it means to be human— one that welcomes the experiences of all people and fosters greater appreciation of the complexity of the science of human evolution.

Exploring Human Origins: Promoting a National Conversation on Human Evolution is administered by the ¹ú²úÊÓƵÍøPublic Programs Office. To stay informed about other ¹ú²úÊÓƵÍøtraveling exhibitions, grant opportunities, and professional development from the Public Programs Office,

About the ¹ú²úÊÓƵÍø

The ¹ú²úÊÓƵÍø (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ¹ú²úÊÓƵÍøhas been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit

About the National Museum of Natural History

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, located at 10th Street and Constitution Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C., is one of the most visited natural history museums in the world. Opened in 1910, the museum houses the world’s largest collection of natural history specimens and artifacts. The museum is open daily (closed Dec. 25) from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit the museum on its, , , and .