No sign up is required to attend programs; all programs are free and fun for all ages! There are reading log and activity sheets available for children under 8 years old; children who hand in completed sheets will be entered into a prize drawing. Summer Learning reading and activity packets for children ages 9 – 12 years old will also be available; children who complete tickets receive entries into a prize drawing. There are BINGO cards available for teens ages 13 to 18 and for adults as well. Children’s reading log/activity sheets, reading/activity packets, and teen/adult BINGO cards will be available starting in June; please ask at the circulation desk for a reading log/activity sheet, reading/activity packet, or BINGO card or they can be downloaded from this website. When receiving reading log/activity sheets, reading/activity packets, or BINGO cards, children and youth under age 18 will also be registered for this portion of Summer Learning. Completed sheets, reading/activity packet tickets, and BINGO cards are due by library closing Saturday, August 16, 2025, to be eligible for the prize drawing and can be handed in at the library in person or online via Beanstack (reading log/activity sheets, reading/activity packets) or online form (BINGO). Winners will be notified the week immediately following the prize drawing entry deadline by preferred method of contact to collect their prizes. Winners have seven business days to claim their prize at the library before another name is drawn for that prize.

For teens ages 13+ and adults of all ages, pick up a BINGO card at the library this summer, and start reading! Books must be read over the summer. You can choose any book or activity that fits the category in a square, and READ! Achieve BINGO by completing the activities in five squares in a line (vertically, horizontally, or diagonally). Track your progress by filling in the required information in the squares of your choice. If you need help with book suggestions for the categories on the BINGO card, please ask for help the next time you come to the library–we love talking books. Complete a BINGO and turn in your card by or on Saturday, August 16, 2025, to receive 1 chance to win the prize(s) we’re raffling off. All prize drawing entries must be turned in by library closing on Saturday, August 16, 2025, to be eligible for the prize drawing. READ and REPEAT! Pick up another BINGO card to complete for another chance to enter to win prizes! Winners will be notified on the Tuesday following the deadline by their preferred method of contact to collect their prizes. Winners have seven business days to claim their prize at the library before another name is drawn for that prize.

FAQ’s

  • Can I start the program after the official start date? Yes!
  • Can I count reading I did before the official start date? We ask that you only count reading you did after the official start date.
  • Can I complete more than one BINGO card? Yes; you may complete as many BINGOs as you want!
  • Do eBooks and audiobooks count? Yes, they sure do!

The Great Cryptid Bounty Hunt breaks out at the library this summer! Cryptids across the region have escaped containment and are causing chaos everywhere. An anonymous tip says that there are 15 cryptids hiding out in the library. Your mission is to find them and return them safely to containment.

Starting June 4, this in-house scavenger hunt will be available for children and teens during library business hours. Visit the library, pick up a scavenger hunt sheet, and start searching! Hand in your completed sheet to the librarian at the circulation desk for entry in the library’s Summer Learning Prize Drawing. 

Participants must hand in completed scavenger hunt sheets to the circulation desk by close of business on Saturday, August 17, 2024, in order to be eligible for a prize drawing entry. A scavenger hunt sheet is considered complete when each item is identified correctly and recorded on the sheet.

This year’s annual Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest will be held on Tuesday, August 12 at 1 PM. Participants may work alone or with a partner. First, second, and third prizes will be awarded in three age groups: 8 years old & under; ages 9-14; and adults. Chalk will be provided. Call the library at 717-865-5523 to register.

4-H at the library is for children ages 5 – 12 interested in agriculture and life sciences. 4-H educators will present a series of hands-on learning activities that will help youth make new friends and build skills. From plants and animals to arts and crafts, participants will learn more about a variety of topics, including Animal Sciences, Arts & Crafts, Environmental Science, and STEM.

This 4-H program will meet Mondays at 2 PM July 7 through  July 28. Each program will last about an hour. Registration is required for this event; please call the library 717-865-5523 to sign up your child(ren) for this program.

For children of all ages, this is the 2025 schedule of programs.

DATE PROGRAM
June 17 Jesse Rothaker and his Forgotten Friend Reptiles will slither, slide and glide into the library for a visit. Pet them if you dare!
June 24 Scared of bugs? Ryan the BugMan shows you why insects are cool!
July 1 Critter Connections — Scaly or furry, critters are fascinating and fun! See a few of them up close, and enjoy learning about them.
July 8 Cissy and the Man— Clowning around takes a lot of juggling! Cissy and the Man bring tons of fun with them.
July 15 ZooAmerica brings furry, cuddly, scaly critters to the library for friends to meet!
July 22 Al Grout is magic! You’ll be amazed at Al’s magic tricks, juggling skills, and balancing act! Come laugh with us!
July 29 Phredd the ukulele flailing, harmonica wailing, suitcase drumming, kazoo hum-humming, ukulele bundle of joy visits the library!
August 5 Paleontologists Mike and Roberta Strakapresent an Ice Age show, Mastodons, Cavemen and Bears—Oh, My! Dig it!

Nature Explorers is for ages 4 and older, these programs held Thursday afternoons include a hands-on activity, such as a craft, experiment, or game. Each program is one hour long. Programs are presented by Lancaster Department of Parks and Recreation educators unless otherwise noted.

DATE PROGRAM
June 19 Ft. Indiantown Gap Department of Environmental Management presents Wildlife at the Gap, an up-close look at local wildlife.
June 26 Animal Eyes: What do animals see? Join us to run a few “eyeball experiments” and learn what colors different types of animals can see.
July 3 Birds are fun! Karen and Terry Weaver, educators from Quittapahilla Audubon Society will show you why! 
July 10 Glitter Critters: Learn abut all that sparkles in the animal world while looking at pictures and preserved specimens. Paint a beetle picture using natural mica glitter to take home.
July 17 Caution! Do not Touch!: Many creatures with eye-catching styles are either venomous, poisonous, or just dangerous. We’ll read Peter the Poison Dart Frog by Thomas Sandusky and learn about plants and animals that use this survival technique.
July 24 Blue: Where do we find blue in the natural world? It’s a rare color in nature. Let’s take a look together and then create your own blue critter.
July 31 Crazy about Rainbows:  Rainbows are magical. When do we see rainbows and why? Read a rainbow book, play games and complete a rainbow craft.