Libraries are the perfect place to introduce young children and families to making, tinkering, and STEM. Libraries are free, open to everyone, and offer programs where children and families can attend together. 

Statistics from the American Library Association (ALA) show that minority and economically disadvantaged families make up a high percentage of groups that visit libraries frequently. And libraries help bridge the gap for children who don’t have access to expensive daycare facilities, STEM camps, or museum passes.

Research resoundingly points to the importance of libraries engaging families in STEM fields and activities, but little research has been done to show how libraries can best do so specifically with very young children.