YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County has launched its 2026 Summer Discovery program, offering free reading activities, educational programming and community events for children, teens and adults throughout Mahoning County.
The program 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.
Participants will receive a Summer Discovery tote bag while supplies last and can collect branch buttons by visiting library locations across the county throughout the summer.
Last year’s program drew more than 5,500 participants across the county.
Registration is free and open to all ages. Community members can register at any PLYMC branch, by phone at 330 744 8636 or online through the ReadSquared platform.
PLYMC will officially kick off the summer program season with the Summer Discovery Kick Off Party from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Hofmaster Pavilion in Boardman Park. Families can sign up for Summer Discovery, visit the Pop-Up Library and enjoy games, activities and other family-friendly events.
PLYMC will also host a Summer Discovery kick-off event at the Imagination Library at Oh Wow! The Roger & Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science & Technology from 4-7 p.m. Friday. This free event is in partnership with Oh Wow and United Way. Registration is strongly recommended.
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, child care programs and community organizations.
- Educational performers, hands-on activities and end-of-summer celebrations at library locations throughout the system.
More information is available HERE.