The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County brings back summer reading program

The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County (PLYMC) says they are excited to bring back the annual Summer Discovery program.

Summer Discovery is sponsored by PLYMC to encourage reading and literacy for children and adults. The program will take place between June 1 through July 31.

The program is free for everyone regardless of age. Participants can earn points by reading, discovering something new, or visiting the library. Accumulated points can be “cashed in” for prizes all summer long. Whoever completes the program will earn a free book.

“Summer Discovery is a time where library users can participate in programs, enjoy the wide variety of materials available to them and engage in their community by earning points to win prizes,” Amy Bowers, Vice Chair of PLYMC Summer Discovery Committee said.

“The goal is for participants to Read, Visit and Discover all that the library has to offer over the summer in a fun way,” Bowers said.

The program was made possible through over $12,000 in donations from The Rotary Club, donations will be used for books given to the children as rewards, Friends of PLYMC and several other individual donations.

The PLYMC hosted a kick-off event on June 1 at Boardman Park. Librarians hosted games and activities for participants to enjoy and invited people to register in a pop-up van. Musician Tyler Guerrieri also performed.

At the end of the Summer Discovery program, each branch library will celebrate those who completed the program with their own party, which will be held between Aug. 7 through Aug. 10.

People interested in participating can learn more and register at the library website.

Sign up for our Mahoning Matters newsletter

Support our journalists with a tax-deductible donation