YOUNGSTOWN — A Summer Literacy Expo is shaping up to encourage families and students about the importance of reading.

Experts say summer reading is critical for children to learn while they are on summer break.

Working together, Youngstown City School District, Premier Bank Community Event Series, The Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre, JAC Management Group and My Brothers Keeper Youngstown are collaborating on the expo to encourage families and students to keep reading.

The free event is 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at The Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre. The expo is open to anyone and will feature educational and literacy resources, food, games, and various community vendors and organizations offering information about their programs and services.

Other highlights are special guest appearances by Judge Glenda Hatchett and children’s author Vicky Weber.

Hatchett is the star of the court show “The Verdict with Judge Hatchett” and the former two-time Emmy-nominated nationally syndicated court show, “Judge Hatchett.” Hatchett will speak about keeping young people engaged during the summer. When temperatures rise, so does crime. Hatchett will touch on this and how when children develop a desire to read, it can take them to new places and keep them safe at home.

Weber is a musician and elementary educator. She is the author of numerous books, including “Mirabel’s Discovery” (Disney’s Encanto), “Maya and the Stage Fright,” “Taino Tales: The Legend of Coqui” and more. Weber will read an excerpt from her new book, which will be published this month. Her Puerto Rican Taino heritage and musical background inspire her current titles.

“We’re thankful to our generous sponsors for supporting this impactful event for Youngstown City School District scholars and the community,” said Linda Hoey, chief of family engagement for the school district. “All Youngstown City School K-12 scholars will receive a book as our way to encourage reading and to resume their education over the summer.”

Hoey said the literacy expo was organized by Parent Pathways, an initiative at YCSD that advocates for family involvement and open communication with schools. The English Learners Program, led by Dennis Yommer, was another department that aided in creating the Summer Literary Expo.