School systems and public libraries nationwide have embraced STEM programming. School age children now enjoy more opportunities to engage with new technologies and to build an interest in STEM careers. Because we know that early access to words, technologies and ideas are crucial to future development, the Youth Services Department created multiple STEM series designed for our youngest patrons.

As front-line professionals who interact with children on a daily basis, Youth Service Specialists recognized early on the possibilities for interactive programming based on STEM principles. Hands-on, station-based program series were developed for children ages one to five and brought to every branch in the system. These monthly programs introduced important STEM concepts to young children through experiential learning that allowed even our youngest patrons to internalize scientific principles.

These programs developed a regular following among library families and helped to establish a general increase in STEM programming across the system. These high quality, hands-on programs were often the first library experiences families of young children had beyond the traditional storytime. As a result, our programming numbers have continued to rise and our Early Education Library Associates embedded in individual branches have pushed the limits of what constitutes library programming for children.