Registration is open now<\/a>, and families can sign up early to get ready for a summer full of books, prizes, and free library fun.<\/p>\n Updated June 2026<\/p>\n Quick details for Erie families<\/p>\n What: Erie County Public Library\u2019s 2026 Summer Library Program: Founding Stories What is the Summer Library Program?<\/p>\n The Summer Library Program includes all the special activities Erie County Public Library offers during the summer program dates.<\/p>\n For 2026, that includes:<\/p>\n Reading and library challengesPrize drawing entriesFree programs and eventsCommunity meetupsOutreach visits around Erie CountySummer Bookmobile stopsActivities for kids, teens, and adults<\/p>\n This year\u2019s theme, Founding Stories: An America250 Celebration<\/a>, invites families to celebrate the stories that shape America while exploring books, history, creativity, and community.<\/p>\n Parent tip: Registration bags and tote bags are available while supplies last, so families who want the freebies should register at their library branch.<\/p>\n How the library challenge works<\/p>\n Participants complete any combination of six library activities on the Stars & Stripes Challenge Sheet<\/a>. Activities may be repeated, so families can make the challenge work for their own kids, schedules, and reading styles.<\/p>\n Challenge activities include things like:<\/p>\n Reading for 20 minutes or finishing one complete bookAttending a library programChecking out a featured America250 bookExploring library eDatabases and history resourcesUsing Heritage Hub to search for historic figuresOpening PA Photos and Docs to explore Pennsylvania history<\/p>\n Once all six activities are complete, participants return the challenge sheet to their library. Every completed challenge sheet becomes one entry into the prize drawings. Yes, you can complete the challenge more than once for more chances to win!<\/p>\n Completed challenge sheets are due back to your preferred Erie County Public Library location by close of business on August 22, 2026.<\/p>\n More than $2,000 in prizes! Erie County Public Library\u2019s 2026 Summer Library Program includes more than $2,000 in prizes. Is the Summer Library Program just for kids?<\/p>\n Nope!<\/p>\n The Summer Library Program<\/a> is for all ages. Erie County Public Library especially encourages parents and caregivers to take the challenge along with their children.<\/p>\n Whether your child is just starting board books, your teen needs a summer reading nudge, or you finally want a reason to make time for your own reading list, this program is for you.<\/p>\n Registration prizes<\/p>\n When patrons register for the Summer Library Program at Blasco or a local branch, they will receive, while supplies last:<\/p>\n A registration bag with freebies from sponsorsA challenge sheetA free tote bag with goodies, thanks to sponsor UPMC Health Plan<\/p>\n Patrons may register at any Erie County Public Library location beginning June 15. Online registration is also available before redeeming a challenge sheet.<\/p>\n How to participatePre-register online now.Beginning June 15, register at any Erie County Public Library location.Pick up your challenge sheet and registration goodies, while supplies last.Complete six library activities.Turn in your completed challenge sheet by August 22 for a chance to win prizes.Repeat the challenge for more chances to win.Summer Bookmobile visits around Erie County<\/p>\n The library is hitting the road this summer with Summer Bookmobile Visits throughout Erie County.<\/p>\n Upcoming Bookmobile visits include stops at Rolling Ridge Park, McKean Elementary, St. Martin Center, Whitford Park, and more. Find the complete Bookmobile schedule here\u2192<\/a><\/p>\n Free library programs all summer long<\/p>\n Erie County Public Library will also offer a full lineup of summer programs and events during the Summer Library Program dates.<\/p>\n A few upcoming highlights include:<\/p>\n Summer Reading Celebration \u2014 June 20 at Blasco LibraryFounding Stories Family Book Club \u2014 June 23, July 21, and August 11Celebrate America 250! Kids Book Club \u2014 June 25, July 23, and August 13Create the States Craft Party \u2014 Thursdays at Iroquois Branch LibraryPicnic Pals \u2014 June 16, July 21, and August 11WQLN STREAM Machine \u2014 multiple library stops in July and AugustBlasco Memorial Library\u2019s 8th Annual Worm Races \u2014 July 25Teen: Summer Bash \u2014 August 1 at Blasco LibraryMake Your Own: America 250 Buttons \u2014 August 5 at Blasco Library<\/p>\n
When: June 15-August 22, 2026
Who: All ages \u2014 kids, teens, adults, and families
Cost: Free
Why go: Complete library challenges for chances to win more than $2,000 in prizes
How to join:
\nRegister online now<\/a> or at any ECPL location beginning June 15
Kick-off celebration: Noon to 3 p.m. June 20 at Blasco (games, free books, sweet treats and MORE!) Details\u2192<\/a><\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/0e86ec65-50a4-42c2-96fd-509b843a72ea.png\")
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Every completed challenge sheet earns one entry. Prize drawings will take place at the end of the program.<\/p>\n