The Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County (PLYMC) is celebrating a year of remarkable growth and impact through its annual Summer Discovery program, which continues to inspire learning, imagination, and opportunity for residents of all ages.
In 2025, a total of 5,505 participants registered for Summer Discovery which represents a 30% increase over the previous year and one of the highest participation levels in the program’s history. Together, participants logged 106,901 days of reading, reinforcing the program’s role in building strong literacy habits across the community.
The program’s impact is reflected not only in participation, but in outcomes. Seventy-five percent of participants reported reading more often because of Summer Discovery, and 100% said they plan to return next year.
“Summer Discovery is about more than numbers,” said Mandy Shina, Donor Relations Manager at PLYMC. “These results represent children discovering the joy of reading, families learning together, and adults strengthening lifelong literacy habits. We are grateful to our donors and supporters who make this kind of impact possible in our community.”
In just two months, PLYMC:
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Hosted more than 1,100 programs
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Distributed approximately 3,100 free prize books
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Welcomed many first-time participants to summer reading
As the program continues to grow, so do the needs to sustain and expand its reach. Community support plays a critical role in ensuring that Summer Discovery can:
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Put more free books into the hands of young readers
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Reach new families across Mahoning County
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Strengthen daily reading habits that support school success
“Community support is critical to sustaining and expanding Summer Discovery,” said Zak Kozberg, PLYMC Chief Stakeholder Relations Officer. “With donor help, we can build on last year’s momentum and reach even more readers this summer.”
Summer Discovery remains a cornerstone of PLYMC’s mission to serve as a hub for lifelong learning. With continued support from donors and community partners, the library looks forward to building on this momentum and reaching even more readers in the year ahead.
For more information about Summer Discovery check us out at www.libraryvisit.org, opens a new window or how to support the PLYMC Spring Appeal, visit www.libraryvisit.org/giving/, opens a new window
Follow PLYMC on social media (Facebook, opens a new window, Twitter, opens a new window, Instagram, opens a new window, and TikTok, opens a new window) and check www.libraryvisit.org, opens a new window 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.