The Wildest Things Libraries Teach in Summer

For many children, summertime means staying up late, enjoying days at the beach, and spending time with friends. However, for their caregivers, worries about summer learning loss tend to creep in. Thankfully, public libraries are here to help.

July brings National Summer Learning Week—a time to celebrate the everyday community members who help kids keep their brains active while school is out. In that spirit, we’re highlighting some of the most surprising and delightful ways libraries join in the summertime fun.

When School’s Out, Libraries Step In

National Summer Learning Week (NSLW) recognizes the importance of programs that engage children’s minds during their break. Hosted by the National Summer Learning Association (NSLA), the event is held each July.

Libraries play a major role in supporting children’s learning during summer break. While they’re known for their collections, librarians are always hard at work planning programs for all ages—summer included. Libraries also serve as welcoming third places for families, offering fun, creative, and accessible summer learning opportunities for the whole community.

Sign the pledge to vote for libraries!

Why Summer Library Programs Matter

Simply put, libraries are accessible. For some families, the library’s free programming is essential. Libraries are important all year long, but accessibility can be especially necessary in the summer. Summer learning loss disproportionately affects students without access to enrichment, and libraries help meet those needs at little to no cost.

Guardians might wonder: What exactly can my library provide for my child during the summer? For one thing, STEM programs! Librarians frequently host events that enhance children’s confidence, curiosity, and problem-solving skills. But summer library programming expands far beyond education. These programs support community goals around digital literacy, creativity, and equitable access.

Here are some unique summer programs that showcase the benefits libraries provide to communities across the nation.

Teaching Future Chemists

Delaware County Libraries in Pennsylvania hosts a summer learning program that introduces children to the basics of chemistry. Tailored for grades 2–6, the program explores materials, ideas, and careers in the field. Young participants engage in essential scientific practices like making observations and testing hypotheses. Children in the program are encouraged to question how certain substances interact, what chemicals make up the world around them, and more.

Take action today to support libraries!

Reading with Incentives

Like many other libraries, the Saint Paul Public Library system in Minnesota encourages children to read during the summer — with a twist! Known as Summer Spark, SPPL supplies children ages 0–18 with literature and provides rewards for continued participation. Incentives include further free books and prizes throughout the summer.

Children begin with a free book from the library and a reading log. From there, they keep track of their reading and complete activities along the way. Participants earn extra rewards for reading and completing a daily activity at an on-site library. At the end of the summer in August, everyone comes back together for a Summer Spark Celebration.

Explorations in STEM

In New York, Queens Public Library offers a unique summer program for middle schoolers. Titled STEM Boot Camp, the program offers opportunities in areas like 3D printing and robotics, giving children three weeks of STEM activities led by qualified professionals. The program is exclusive to middle schoolers in grades 6–8, and sessions are held throughout the summer.

Sign the petition to show that Americans love their libraries!

Summer Entomologists

For children fascinated with insects, the Ocean County Library in New Jersey has the perfect summer program. In collaboration with Insectropolis, otherwise known as the “Bugseum of New Jersey,” participants in the Bugs on the Go program learn more about these misunderstood but important little animals. According to the library’s description, “the program will encourage guests to investigate and celebrate the diversity of life.”

A Little Bit of Everything

The San Francisco Public Library system hosts a variety of events throughout the summer, ranging from educational to social. Through its Summer Stride program, SFPL includes STEM activities, author talks, nature exploration, workforce development for teens, and more. Guardians can also act as role models by joining the adult summer reading challenge, adding a bit of friendly competition that the entire family can enjoy!

Summer learning loss is a valid concern for caregivers. Thankfully, libraries are creating unique, engaging, and educational programs that spark children’s curiosity. Whether you support a young child or are helping your teen transition out of high school, explore your local library’s summer programs to celebrate Summer Learning Week!

Visit www.everylibrary.org to learn more about our work on behalf of libraries. 

#librarymarketers: Enjoy this story? Want to use it for your library newsletter, blog, or social media? This article is published under Creative Commons License Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International and is free to edit and use with attribution. Please cite EveryLibrary on medium.com/everylibrary.

This work by EveryLibrary is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0