Looking for a free way to keep Erie kids reading, busy, and off screens this summer? Erie County Public Library’s 2026 Summer Library Program is back, and this year, families can earn chances to win more than $2,000 in prizes just by reading, attending library programs, exploring history resources, and completing fun library challenges.
The all-ages program, Founding Stories: An America250 Celebration, runs June 15 through August 22, 2026, with reading challenges, prize drawings, free library events, Summer Bookmobile visits, community programs, and activities for kids, teens, and adults.
Registration is open now, and families can sign up early to get ready for a summer full of books, prizes, and free library fun.
Updated June 2026
Quick details for Erie families
What: Erie County Public Library’s 2026 Summer Library Program: Founding Stories
When: June 15-August 22, 2026
Who: All ages — 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:
Register online now 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→
What is the Summer Library Program?
The Summer Library Program includes all the special activities Erie County Public Library offers during the summer program dates.
For 2026, that includes:
- Reading and library challenges
- Prize drawing entries
- Free programs and events
- Community meetups
- Outreach visits around Erie County
- Summer Bookmobile stops
- Activities for kids, teens, and adults
This year’s theme, Founding Stories: An America250 Celebration, invites families to celebrate the stories that shape America while exploring books, history, creativity, and community.
Parent tip: Registration bags and tote bags are available while supplies last, so families who want the freebies should register at their library branch.
How the library challenge works
Participants complete any combination of six library activities on the Stars & Stripes Challenge Sheet. Activities may be repeated, so families can make the challenge work for their own kids, schedules, and reading styles.
Challenge activities include things like:
- Reading for 20 minutes or finishing one complete book
- Attending a library program
- Checking out a featured America250 book
- Exploring library eDatabases and history resources
- Using Heritage Hub to search for historic figures
- Opening PA Photos and Docs to explore Pennsylvania history
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!
Completed challenge sheets are due back to your preferred Erie County Public Library location by close of business on August 22, 2026.
More than $2,000 in prizes!
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Erie County Public Library’s 2026 Summer Library Program includes more than $2,000 in prizes.
Every completed challenge sheet earns one entry. Prize drawings will take place at the end of the program.
Is the Summer Library Program just for kids?
Nope!
The Summer Library Program is for all ages. Erie County Public Library especially encourages parents and caregivers to take the challenge along with their children.
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.
Registration prizes
When patrons register for the Summer Library Program at Blasco or a local branch, they will receive, while supplies last:
- A registration bag with freebies from sponsors
- A challenge sheet
- A free tote bag with goodies, thanks to sponsor UPMC Health Plan
Patrons may register at any Erie County Public Library location beginning June 15. Online registration is also available before redeeming a challenge sheet.
How to participate
- Pre-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
The library is hitting the road this summer with Summer Bookmobile Visits throughout Erie County.
Upcoming Bookmobile visits include stops at Rolling Ridge Park, McKean Elementary, St. Martin Center, Whitford Park, and more. Find the complete Bookmobile schedule here→
Free library programs all summer long
Erie County Public Library will also offer a full lineup of summer programs and events during the Summer Library Program dates.
A few upcoming highlights include:
- Summer Reading Celebration — June 20 at Blasco Library
- Founding Stories Family Book Club — June 23, July 21, and August 11
- Celebrate America 250! Kids Book Club — June 25, July 23, and August 13
- Create the States Craft Party — Thursdays at Iroquois Branch Library
- Picnic Pals — June 16, July 21, and August 11
- WQLN STREAM Machine — multiple library stops in July and August
- Blasco Memorial Library’s 8th Annual Worm Races — July 25
- Teen: Summer Bash — August 1 at Blasco Library
- Make Your Own: America 250 Buttons — August 5 at Blasco Library
Why we love this for Erie families
Summer can be expensive, and keeping kids busy for weeks on end is no small thing. Erie County Public Library’s Summer Library Program gives families a free, flexible way to add reading, crafts, events, history, community fun, and a little extra motivation to the summer calendar.
Whether you visit the library every week, catch the Bookmobile in your neighborhood, or just need a reason to get everyone reading again, this is one summer program worth signing up for.
Ready to join the summer fun?
Learn more and register online now for Erie County Public Library’s 2026 Summer Library Program, Founding Stories: An America250 Celebration.
