THE LIBRARY’S SUMMER READING PROGRAM IS BACK

Registration for Maricopa County Reads Begins Tomorrow Promising Readers a PAWSitively Imagination-Filled Summer

PHOENIX, Ariz. – April 30 – 65 Libraries across the County are gearing up for Summer Reading, as registration for Maricopa County Reads opens tomorrow at MaricopaCountyReads.org (English) or CondadoDeMaricopaLee.org (Spanish). The theme of this year’s program is “Tails & Tales”, encouraging readers to explore the many stories of the animal kingdom by reading, completing challenges, and attending virtual events and participating in community experiences. The program begins on Tuesday, June 1 and plays a vital role in helping to reduce the “Summer Slide”—the learning loss experienced while transitioning between school years.

“The Summer Reading Program is a great way to keep kids learning, engaged and ready for the next school year,” said Jack Sellers, Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, District 1. “Maricopa County Reads is not only fun, but it is also one of the County’s major community literacy efforts.”

The Summer Reading Program encourages readers of all ages to read 20 minutes a day. Participants earn one point per minute for reading physical or electronic books (including graphic novels) or listening to audiobooks. Additional points are earned for attending virtual events hosted by librarians and local performers, completing online library challenges, and participating in community experiences to find secret codes outside of the library.

Prizes vary based on the amount of points readers achieve. After reaching 500 points, participants receive a free food coupon from various participating restaurants. After reaching 750 points, participants receive an Arizona State Park Pass. Readers who achieve 1,000 points can choose a free book for their home library, or to donate to a local Head Start classroom. Grand Prize drawings will also take place at each participating library for the chance to win a Phoenix Zoo Bundle, or family passes to Legoland Discovery Center and Sea Life Aquarium.

MARICOPA READS FAST FACTS:

WEBSITE:

http://MaricopaCountyReads.org/ (English)
http://CondadoDeMaricopaLee.org/ (Spanish)

PROGRAM DATES:

Registration opens on May 1, 2021
Program runs June 1 through August 1

PARTICIPATING LIBRARY SYSTEMS:

65 libraries from the following library systems are participating:

HOW TO EARN POINTS:

Reading physical and electronic books
Listening to audio books
Attending online events
Participating in community experiences

PRIZES:

500 Points:
- Free personal pizza coupon from Peter Piper Pizza (ages 0-11)
- Free lemonade coupon from Raising Cane’s (all ages)
- Free kids meal from Rubio’s (kids)
750 Points:
- Arizona State Park Pass (all ages)
1,000 Points:
- Free Book (all ages)
GRAND PRIZE DRAWINGS:
- Family passes to Legoland Discovery Center
- Family Passes to Sea Life Aquarium
- Phoenix Zoo Prize Bundle

PROGRAM HISTORY:

The Maricopa County Reads summer reading program went online in 2013. Annual participation has reached up to 88,000 children, teens, and adults in a single summer. This has included participation from more than 60 libraries across Maricopa County, including public, tribal and military libraries. The software used in the summer reading program was developed by the Maricopa County Library District with support from the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, a division of the Secretary of State, and federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The software is an open source project that is available at no cost to libraries.

Full details about the program can be found at: MARICOPA COUNTY READS FAQ.

ABOUT MARICOPA COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT:

The Maricopa County Library District (MCLD) is a special taxing district that runs 18 libraries countywide. MCLD’s mission is to provide access and services so residents experience an improved quality of life. Each year, the Library District welcomes up to three million visitors, holds thousands of free events and programs for all ages, and hosts Maricopa County Reads, the award-winning Summer Reading Program. In 2020, the Library District held nearly 6,000 events, including 700 online events, and circulated 7.5 million physical and digital checkouts. For Maricopa County and Town of Queen Creek residents and property owners, a library card is free. For more information, visit https://mcldaz.org.