The Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County launched its 2026 Summer Discovery program earlier this week, offering free reading activities, educational programming and community events for children, teens and adults throughout Mahoning County.
Summer Discovery encourages participants to build reading into their daily routine by tracking the number of days they read through July 31. Participants who complete 45 days of reading will receive a free prize book.
Last year’s program drew more than 5,500 participants across Mahoning County, continuing strong community engagement with summer literacy and educational programming.
Registration is free and open to all ages. Community members may register at any PLYMC branch, by phone at 330-744-8636, or online through the ReadSquared platform.
Participants will receive a Summer Discovery tote bag while supplies last and may collect branch buttons by visiting library locations across the county throughout the summer.
PLYMC will officially kick off the summer program season with the Summer Discovery Kick Off Party from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 30 at the Hofmaster Pavilion in Boardman Park. Families can sign up for Summer Discovery, visit the Pop-Up Library, and play games, activities and other family-friendly events.
The 2026 program includes:
- Reading tracking through paper logs or the ReadSquared app.
- Free prize books for participants who complete the program.
- Programs and events at branches across Mahoning County.
- Group participation opportunities for camps, childcare programs, and community organizations.
- Educational performers, hands-on activities, and end-of-summer celebrations at library locations throughout the system.
Programs will include educational animal presentations, dinosaur-themed science programs, puppet performances, and interactive activities hosted across multiple branches.
PLYMC will also host a Summer Discovery kick-off event at the Imagination Library at OH WOW from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, May 29. This free event is in partnership with OH WOW! and United Way. Registration for this event is strongly recommended.
More information about Summer Discovery, including registration details and program schedules, is available at www.libraryvisit.org/summer-discovery.
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