The Delray Beach Public Library is making summer brighter for kids and teens with free STREAM programs—Science, Technology, Reading, Art, Engineering and Math—open to all Florida residents. According to Kae Jonsons, director of development and community relations, the library has been serving the community since 1913, when 30 women from the Ladies Improvement Society each donated a book to start the collection. Today, it welcomes more than 193,000 visitors annually to its 36,000-square-foot facility at Atlantic Avenue and Swinton Avenue.
Young adult librarian Natalie Baron is leading sessions like ColorSpace: Artistic Excavations, where teens explore art history from cave paintings to ancient pottery. Teens can also join lab-based activities including collaborative 3D puzzle builds and pick up themed book boxes. Mandy Fulop, head of the children's department, is launching the STREAM Into Summer Literacy Program, encouraging young readers to set goals with librarians, track progress, and take home an Unearth a Story bag with a free STREAM book and activities. In partnership with the School District of Palm Beach County, the library serves free lunch daily from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and snacks from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. to youth up to 18. Family Nights on select Tuesdays invite children 5 and older to explore STREAM topics together. A full program lineup is available at delraylibrary.org.