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Win With The Erie County Public Library Summer Reading Challenge

This year's theme is "Find Your Voice." You can win prizes!

By Macaroni KID Erie June 7, 2023

Ready, set ... read!

The Erie County Public Library’s 2023 Summer Reading Challenge continues through Aug. 12.

Register for the 2023 Summer Reading Challenge at any Erie County Public Branch Library:

  • Raymond M. Blasco M.D. Memorial Library
  • Edinboro Branch Library
  • Iroquois Avenue Branch Library
  • Millcreek Branch Library
  • Lincoln Community Center
  • ECPL Bookmobile

Note that online registration is not available — you must visit the library in person to register!

How to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge

Erie County readers of all ages can register for the Summer Reading Challenge. Participants can complete the challenge by reading for a minimum of 12 hours, documenting local activities they’ve attended this summer, and writing book reviews of their summer reads.




The theme of the 2023 Summer Reading Challenge is "Find Your Voice." 
From the iread program: Our voices have power. We use our voices to share stories, express ourselves, and spark change. Our voices include not only the sounds we make, but the words we write, the art we create, the movements we perform, and the actions we take each day to impact our world.


Participants may log their time spent reading or listening to written material in any format. This includes books, eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, graphic novels, and comics. 

Age categories for the ECPL Summer Reading Challenge are:

  • 0-5
  • 6-12
  • 13-17
  • 18+

All participants in each age group will be eligible for a prize drawing on August 16. There will be grand prize drawings for each age category at each Erie County branch location!  

Find out more about the Summer Reading Challenge.

Why summer reading is important for kids

The mission of the Summer Reading Challenge is to help students maintain the learning acquired during the school year. 

Studies estimate that summer breaks contribute to the average student losing up to one month of instruction. Some students, particularly those from disadvantaged households, lose up to three months of learning. 

Summer learning loss is greatest in math computation, reading, and spelling. The Erie County Public Library is focused on supporting our local children and students, through quality books, collections, resources, and programming.

The 2023 Summer Reading Challenge is made possible through the generous support of the Friends of the Erie County Public Library, and UPMC Health Plan. 

“UPMC Health Plan recognizes communities that support early reading programs are healthier communities," said Katie Bool Shafer, Manager of Community Relations for UPMC Health Plan. "We encourage all Erie-area children to participate in the Summer Reading Challenge."

For more information, please contact the Youth Services department at 814-451-6936 or email library-reference@eriecountypa.gov.