Participating in the "Family STEM Night" events has given the San Antonio Public Library an opportunity to provide library services outside the walls of the library, in a unique way. Librarians are able to connect with the participants and to demonstrate activities that occur throughout the Library system in support of STEM. It is also a way to share information about the library’s nonfiction collection, an often new area of focus for patrons.

Harlandale ISD families enjoy an evening full of learning and fun at monthly "Family STEM Night" events. The district’s curriculum and instruction department guides students and parents through hands-on activities and games to promote STEM subjects. Children and their parents who visit the library table have an opportunity to construct a variety of objects and structures with straws and connectors. They also receive information about library resources like Live Homework Help provided by Tutor.com.

To date, San Antonio Public Library librarians have interacted with 600-800 families in the Harlandale Independent School District. As an educational institution, promoting STEM is one way that the library effectively engages in the promotion of critical thinking, a vital element in 21st century learning. Getting children interested early equals success. Libraries provide the basic building blocks of STEM through books, hands on learning and more.