MINERVA — Minerva Public Library is inviting the entire community to celebrate the launch of its 2026 Summer Reading Program with a free Summer Kickoff Celebration on Friday, May 29, from 2 to 4 p.m. The event marks the official start of sign-ups for the library’s “Unearth a Story” Summer Reading Challenge, which runs through July 31, and features programs, activities, reading challenges, and prizes.

Summer Kickoff Celebration: Friday, May 29

The Kickoff Celebration will be held at the Minerva Public Library, 677 Lynnwood Drive, on Friday, May 29, from 2 to 4 p.m. The free event will feature games, snacks, and fun for the whole family, and is the first opportunity for community members of all ages to officially sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge. Attendees can register on-site and get a head start on earning prizes.

“Unearth a Story” Summer Reading Challenge

This summer’s theme, “Unearth a Story,” encourages readers of all ages to dig into books, explore new ideas, and earn rewards throughout the summer. The challenge runs from May 29 through July 31.

Participants read for at least 15 minutes each day, color in their reading log weekly, and turn in their completed log to the library’s Youth Desk by July 24. Readers who complete the challenge earn an invitation to the End-of-the-Read Pool Party at Minerva Municipal Swimming Pool on Wednesday, July 29, plus an extra ticket for the Summer Reading Raffle, where readers can win gift cards and other prizes.

The library will also host a full schedule of summer programs, including Summer Story Time every Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. on the side lawn. Special June programs include Reptile Adventures on Wednesday, June 3 at 11 a.m., featuring presenter Paul Hernandez and an up-close look at lizards, snakes, and more, and Bugman Live! on Wednesday, June 10 at 11 a.m., with presenter Mark Berman, AKA “Bugman,” exploring the world of creepy, crawly insects. Both programs are open to families of all ages.

Adventure Pass Program Launches June 1

Beginning Monday, June 1, Minerva Public Library will launch its new Adventure Pass Program, which allows adult library cardholders to check out free passes to local and regional attractions using their MPL library card.

Adventure Passes will be available for the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum in Canton, Beech Creek Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve in Alliance, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens in Akron, the Canton Museum of Art, the Akron Art Museum, the Akron Zoo, and other destinations.

Passes check out for seven days and are limited to one pass per cardholder at a time. Patrons are encouraged to speak with library staff for details on pass availability and specific benefits at each destination. To check pass availability, patrons may call the library at 330-868-4101.