Tri-town libraries will help kids get outside and explore with the help of a $10,000 grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

The grant, "My Own Backyard," will give Rochester, Marion and Mattapoisett public libraries a chance to introduce kids to the natural resources in their towns and allows them to explore, experiment and record data with the help of local professionals.

Library resources and explorer backpacks, created by the library staff, will enable young "citizen scientists" to learn more about the environment, weather, plants and animals. The materials and programs will also expose them to a variety of careers and professionals. The backpacks can be checked out by families and caregivers and shared among the libraries.

The grant will serve students in grades three through eight and their families, and is one of 46 awarded across the state and funded by the federal Library Services and Technology Act. The tri-town libraries were one of only two groups to receive a collaborative grant.

The Elizabeth Taber Library, the Plumb Memorial Library and the Mattapoisett Free Public Library worked together on the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) program, along with science educator Michelle Cusolito.

“I’m especially excited to be a part of this grant because it combines two of my passions: nature and books! I’ve worked as a naturalist, classroom teacher and now writer of nature books for children,” said Cusolito. “My family makes heavy use of our local libraries. I’m thrilled to be able to give back to my community in this way.”

"This grant and its programs will allow children to explore the outdoors and engage in their own area's natural resources. It will also provide the opportunity for students to meet and learn from a variety of science professionals in the tri-town area, and become stewards of their land,” said Taber Library Director Elisabeth O'Neill.

Mattapoisett Library Director Susan Pizzolato agreed.

"We are particularly pleased to be working together on this project because we serve many of the same families, and our students enter the same schools once they reach the junior high grades. Complementing what is offered in the schools by promoting outside exploration will be enriching for everyone involved," she said.

A number of local organizations, agencies and businesses partnered with the libraries, and will offer their expertise as the project develops over the year. The local land trusts, conservation commissions and cranberry businesses, among others, will assist with site-specific adventures for students during all four seasons.

The project will begin in October and run for one year. The funds will enable each library to purchase books and materials for each grade level, create the backpacks and offer programs in all three towns for children and adults. More information will be posted soon on each library's website and Facebook page.