If nature walks with your students aren't part of your curriculum, recent studies will convince you to change that.

These services meet the needs of children and families across the country, with programming ranging from robotics to summer meals to ever-popular reading challenges.

Nearly  100 percent of public libraries use incentives in their summer reading programs, according to SLJ's survey. Still, respondents had a lot to say about prizes as well as what motivates kids to read over vacation.

Nearly a quarter of public libraries partner with schools on programming, whether that means getting the word out about contests and events or formally collaborating to mitigate the summer slide.

More than 40 percent of survey respondents report that summer meals are the third most popular summer initiative at those libraries that offer them. 

The organizer of  popular all-ages summer STEAM and maker programs shares expertise on planning, staff training, and activities.