MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. – May 6 – 65 libraries across Maricopa County are coming together for the County’s highly anticipated Summer Reading Program, as
Maricopa County Reads begins June 1. Participants can sign up for the program right now at
MaricopaCountyReads.org (English) or
CondadoDeMaricopaLee.org (Spanish). The theme of this year’s program is “Color Our World,” inviting the community to embark on a journey of art and creativity this summer.
Maricopa County Reads is open for all ages to participate, bringing 19 public, tribal, military, and volunteer library systems together to work towards the same goal of promoting learning and literacy throughout the county.
“Maricopa County Reads shows what’s possible when we unite around a shared goal, and this collaboration between 19 library systems is public service at its finest,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Thomas Galvin, District 2. “Summer Reading isn’t just about keeping kids busy this summer—advancing early literacy skills is an investment in the future of Maricopa County, helping to cultivate a generation of critical thinkers, innovators, and leaders.”
Last year’s Summer Reading Program had record-breaking participation, bringing in 97,025 participants. With a community reading goal of 103 million minutes this year, Maricopa County Reads continues to be one of the County’s largest literacy efforts, aiming to strengthen early literacy skills, build home libraries, and reduce learning loss while transitioning between school years.
“Participation in Maricopa County Reads has grown exponentially in recent years, greatly expanding the program’s impact,” said Maricopa County Library District Director Jeremy Reeder. “Many families share that their children have maintained or improved their reading skills during the summer as a direct result of being part of the program.”
The goal for all Maricopa County Reads participants is to reach 1,000 points between June 1 and August 1. Participants earn one point per minute for reading books, eBooks, or audiobooks. Additional points can be earned by attending in-person and virtual library events, completing summer reading challenges, and participating in community experiences to find secret codes while exploring Maricopa County.
Summer readers receive milestone prizes at 500 and 750 points. Participants who achieve 1,000 points can choose a free book to keep, or to donate to organizations supporting youth in the community.
