The Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County (PLYMC) launched its 2026 Summer Discovery program on May 26, 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 between May 26 and 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 on Saturday, May 30, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 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.
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 on Friday, May 29 from 4-7. This free event is in partnership with OH WOW! and United Way. Registration for this event is strongly recommended.
The program reflects PLYMC’s continued investment in literacy, educational access, and family programming throughout Mahoning County.
More information about Summer Discovery, including registration details and program schedules, is available at www.libraryvisit.org/summer-discovery.
Follow PLYMC on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok) and check www.libraryvisit.org for updates.
The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County (PLYMC) has served the Mahoning Valley since 1880 when the Youngstown Library Association was officially created. With 14 branches across Mahoning County, including Main Library in downtown Youngstown, PLYMC is well known for its signature services and programs like Summer Discovery and 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten. PLYMC serves our communities by preparing children for kindergarten, promoting early literacy, assisting job seekers, connecting Valley residents to technology, and providing resources for small businesses.