FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2026
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Tim Pratt
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Maryland Libraries Engage More Than 163,000 Readers in Summer Reading and Learning
Free programs and community partnerships bring books, discovery and connection to Marylanders of all ages
BALTIMORE — Summer Reading and Learning Programs at public libraries across Maryland this year drew the participation of more than 163,000 children, teens and adults, an increase of 31% from the previous year. This high level of engagement is the result of a concerted effort among public libraries to connect Marylanders of all ages, nurture a love of reading and improve literacy skills. By providing free access to books and engaging activities, Maryland libraries help children learn throughout the summer, supporting the skills they will carry into the new school year.
“Across Maryland, libraries gave children reasons to open another book, families opportunities to learn together, and neighbors new ways to connect,” said Maryland State Librarian Morgan Lehr. “That joy matters. It helps build a reading life that lasts beyond the summer and it reflects our shared commitment to making literacy and learning accessible in every community.”
The Maryland State Library Agency provides financial support and coordination for Summer Reading and Learning Programs throughout the state, enhancing local library system initiatives. The nationwide theme of Summer Reading and Learning Programs, developed by the Collaborative Summer Library Program, was “Unearth a Story.” Maryland libraries offered incentive-based reading programs, free books and a range of activities and events, from fossil hunting and rock identification to dinosaur dance parties and STEM classes.
Governor Wes Moore and First Lady Dawn Moore helped MSLA launch the Summer Reading and Learning Program in June, hosting young Marylanders and their families at Government House as part of the #ReadMoreMaryand initiative, which aims to inspire Maryland youth to read. The event featured storytimes, a free book for each child, a story walk, activities, library mascots and more. Multiple library systems joined MSLA to support the celebration.
Several organizations generously partnered with MSLA to provide reading incentives for all 24 public library systems. In August, MSLA partnered with the Baltimore Orioles to host Literacy Night at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The event bought together public libraries and Summer Reading participants from across the state. Each year, the Baltimore Orioles provide more than a thousand tickets to games. The National Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center, and the Maryland State Fair provided hundreds of free tickets to local library systems for use as reading prizes.The award-winning Barnyard Bedtime Stories program also returned to the Maryland State Fair this summer, giving children the opportunity to practice their reading skills by reading bedtime stories to farm animals. The Natural History Society of Maryland partnered with Maryland libraries on fun and educational programs throughout the summer, including the #ReadMoreMaryland celebration.
To promote Summer Reading and Learning Program participation, Maryland libraries emphasized outreach, establishing valuable community partnerships and providing new opportunities for Marylanders to engage with their local libraries through programs and events. Library systems held festivals and events at branches or in neighborhoods, local and state parks, farmers markets and fairs, overcoming barriers to traditional access. The Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD) collaborated with library systems across the state to deliver information and programs to customers. Library systems also prioritized flexibility with their programs to engage different abilities, learning styles, cultures and backgrounds.
Partnerships with food banks, daycare centers, and family service and development organizations helped libraries reach new community members. Several Maryland library systems partnered with the US Department of Agriculture to provide the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), in which library branches served as summer lunch sites for youth in their community.
Many of these programs and partnership initiatives are documented through MSLA’s Summer Reading Road Trip digital story series.
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