Bring a Whale to Your Library
The Ocean Should Feel within Reach
Not everyone grows up near the ocean or has the chance to see a whale. By bringing Nile to libraries across the country, we give families a way to experience the wonder of the ocean right in their own community. That sense of connection matters—because when people become curious about whales and the world they live in, they are more likely to care about protecting our planet.
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What Families Will Explore
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Step One
Build excitement before the visit
We provide a preview video and shareable resources to help you promote the program and prepare families for their visit. Patrons can meet Nile before she arrives and come ready with questions and curiosity.
2-Hour Session 20 People per Slot -
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Step Two
Step Inside Nile
At the library, families step inside a life-sized inflatable humpback whale to explore whale anatomy, adaptations, and life in the ocean. Real whale artifacts and stories from our experienced whale naturalists bring the experience—and the whale—to life.
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Step Three
Explore Beyond the Whale
Before or after their turn inside Nile, families can continue exploring through hands-on activities and conversations with our naturalists. They’ll also discover Whale Safe Habits—simple choices people of all ages can make to help protect whales, the ocean, and our planet.
Children under five are welcome to attend, but for safety, they remain outside the inflatable whale with an adult. Children ages five and older may go inside Nile without a parent or caregiver, although adults are welcome to join when space allows. Families of all ages can explore the artifacts and activities outside the whale.
Librarians receive access to a resource page with marketing materials, book lists, activities, and a ready-to-send email for registered patrons. Simply send the email to participants before the program so they can access their own resource page and get ready for their Whalemobile experience.
Nile is 43 feet long and about 8 feet tall. With her flippers extended, she’s roughly 30 feet wide—but because she’s inflatable, the flippers are flexible and can rest against walls or fit between bookshelves. As a general rule, if your room has a diagonal of at least 40 feet, we can usually make it work. A quick way to check is to walk about 14 big steps across the space. The tail end is narrower, so we can often tuck Nile into spaces that might seem too small at first glance.
Our programs are indoors only. Wind, heat, and rain can all affect the inflatable whale, and because the weather is unpredictable, we don’t book outdoor programs. An indoor space ensures Nile can be set up safely and your program can happen as planned.
Four Sessions. Up to 80 Participants.
The standard library program lasts two hours and is divided into four 30-minute sessions. Each session welcomes up to 20 participants (ages 5 and up), allowing as many as 80 people to experience the Whalemobile during the event.
The smaller groups give families room to step inside Nile, examine real whale artifacts, ask questions, and connect with one of our experienced whale naturalists.
- Two-hour program
- Four 30-minute sessions
- Up to 80 participants
Bring The Whalemobile to Your Library
See The Whalemobile: In Action
Our Programs
Whale Programs That Bring Learning to Life
Immersive experiences that spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and connect students with whales and the ocean.
School Programs
Curriculum-connected programs that bring science to life through whales, ocean ecosystems, and real-world discovery.
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Library Programs
An immersive whale adventure that gets children and families exploring, discovering, and learning together.
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Virtual Programs
Live virtual programs that connect students with whales and the ocean—wherever they live.
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4th Grade Form & Functions
Through four interactive stations, students discover how whales’ internal and external structures help them survive in their ocean environment.
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Retirement Communities
Explore whales through stories, science, and real artifacts in an engaging, interactive experience.
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Summer Library Tour
Our warm-weather stop brings the Whalemobile straight to your library's summer reading program, giving kids a hands-on marine science break between story hours and craft tables. It's a lively, drop-in-friendly way to keep the whole family curious about the ocean all season long.
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