“Summer reading helps children stay academically engaged, and that influence goes far beyond the classroom,” said Board Chair Kate Brophy McGee, District 3. “Maricopa County Reads gives families a fun and meaningful way to learn together while building habits that support lifelong success.”
This year’s theme, Unearth a Story, celebrates dinosaurs, prehistoric discoveries, and the spirit of exploration that reading inspires in us all. Participants can earn points by reading, completing summer reading challenges, and discovering secret codes at library events and community experiences throughout the county. Reading and activities can be tracked from June 1 through July 20 at
MaricopaCountyReads.org or
CondadoDeMaricopaLee.org for Spanish-language participation.
With 64 participating libraries and a community goal of 110 million minutes, Maricopa County Reads is one of the county’s largest literacy initiatives. The program helps readers of all ages maintain and strengthen literacy skills while encouraging curiosity, imagination, and lifelong learning. It also helps reduce the learning loss that can occur during the summer months as students transition between school years.
Over the last three summers, Maricopa County Reads has experienced significant growth in participation, with the 2025 program engaging a record-breaking 105,294 readers.
“What makes this program special is how many communities come together to make it happen,” said Maricopa County Library District Director and County Librarian Jeremy Reeder. “When libraries across the county work toward a shared goal, the impact is incredible. Last year, more than 105,000 people participated, making Maricopa County Reads one of the largest summer reading programs in the country.”
The goal for participants is to reach 1,000 points between June 1 and July 20. Readers earn milestone prizes at 500 and 750 points. Readers who achieve 1,000 points may choose a free book to keep or donate to organizations that support youth in the community.
