Summer Reading

What is Summer Reading?

Summer Reading is a national initiative to keep people (especially kids on vacation) reading over the summer. This is our most fun-filled time of the year, and the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library locations go all out! There are carnivals, contests, animal shows, magicians, and so much more - all for FREE!

How can you get involved?

To see what we have going on for Summer Reading you can check out our Calendar or stop into your local library to find events, contests, and summer-long initiatives that motivate all of us to read.

How can I support Summer Reading? 

If you would like to help your local library with prizes or monetary donations please contact them directly. Go to our Locations + Hours page, and your preferred library to find their contact information. Some locations have Friends Groups. These are independent groups who fundraise for libraries. If a group is listed on the library page, please reach out to them. 

Should you want to support the Library System, check out our Donation page. These donations can go to support Summer Reading at all 37 Library locations, plus Mobile Services. 

The Buffalo & Erie County Public Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program is supported in part by New York’s 529 College Savings Program Direct Plan.