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Erie County Public Library: Summer Library Program: Home

Offical Landing Page for the Erie County Public Library's annual summer reading challenge!

What is the Summer Library Program?

Every summer, libraries across the country launch their Summer Library Program. Some share a theme, others create their own, but we all host this program to keep readers engaged and reading (especially after the school year ends).

Erie County readers of all ages are challenged to read a certain amount of time and complete additional activities throughout the summer in order to WIN the Summer Library Program. Check out this year's details below.

 

2024 Challenge Details

Black circular logo with white text "SOAR Erie County Public Library"

In 2024, Step Out And Read (S.O.A.R) with Erie County Public Library all summer long! We're challenging readers to read and engage with programs both at the library and in your neighborhood!

The summer reading challenge runs from June 10 - August 16, 2024 and participants will receive a prize entry for each activity challenge they complete:

  • READ: Adults and Teens must complete 6 hours of reading between the challenge dates to complete this activity. Children must read 5 hours (for independent readers) or 10 books (reading with a helper) to complete their activity.
  • LIBRARY PROGRAM: The library offers robust programming and invites readers of all ages to join us. We're stocking the summer with some of our favorite partner programmers including Tamarack Wildlife, Asbury Woods, WQLN, ExpERIEnce Children's Museum and more! Fret not, our fan favorite recurring programs like Stay & Play, Block Parties, Family Storytime, Idea Lab classes, and book clubs will continue throughout the Summer Reading Challenge.  Attend at least 3 library programs (adults and children) to complete this activity challenge. All library programs are listed at events.erielibrary.org
  • BINGO: Adult patrons may complete a Bingo Card Challenge by interacting with different library resources like: Find the headline of the Newspaper the day you were born, find how much you've saved by using your library card, tour the Idea Lab, download the Libby or Hoopla app, and more.
  • SOAR: Step Out And Read with us at schools, parks, and community facilities. Library programs go out-of-office with "Librarians on the Loose" and Bookmobile-School partnerships. Find our Librarians in your neighborhood for readings, activities, and programs all summer long. At the Bookmobile, enjoy full library services including periodic programming at partner locations. Events are free and open to all members of the public (participants need not be a student of the host school). Find the Bookmobile schedule and all offsite library programming online at events.erielibrary.org. Children must attend at least 2 library programs in the community to complete this activity challenge.

 

 

Summer Library Program FAQ's

How do I register?

Patrons may register at any ECPL Location beginning June 10. When you register, you will get (while supplies last):

  • Activity challenge sheets (based on age of patron) to work on throughout the summer
  • A child's tooth care kit from our sponsors at UPMC Health Plan
  • A tote bag from our sponsors, Wegmans and UPMC Health Plan

When do I turn in my challenge sheets?

All completed activity challenge sheets are due by end of day August 16. Participants are encouraged to turn in a challenge sheet as soon as its completed.

How many challenges can I do? 

Any amount! Participants can complete any single challenge, multiple challenges, or multiples of the same challenge. Each completed sheet becomes one (1) entry into our grand prize drawings!

What are the prizes?

For children:  Child participants have a chance to win Family Zoo Membership, ExpERIEnce Children's Museum membership, Gem City Skate Party Certificate, Waldameer ride passes, assorted gift cards (Werner Books, Claytopia, Inside the Jelly Jar) and additional physical item prizes like LEGO sets, Pillow Pets, and more! Children will also receive a free book (while supplies last) when they complete and turn in their first challenge sheet.

For teens: Prizes include gift cards to Pressed, Erie Events, Werner Books, Purrista Cat Cafe, Claytopia, Andora's Bubble Tea, and a collection of Tumblers! Teens also receive a spacious bucket hat after completing their initial challenge (while supplies last).

For adults: A chance to win assorted local gift cards to spectacular local shops like Pressed Coffee & Books, Ambridge Rose Spa & Salon, Erie Events, Werner Books, Purrista Cat Cafe, and Romolo's Chocolates. 

Participants from all locations will be pooled into the prize drawings, there is no advantage to registering or completing challenges at specific locations.

Programs & Events

Save the date for these upcoming programs and visit events.erielibrary.org to find ALL programs at our libraries.

Downloads & Printables

All resources below are shared for reference and online viewing/sharing. Patrons must register in-person at any library location. All pages are available for pickup at any library location, patrons need not print their own.