MARICOPA COUNTY READS BEGINS JUNE 1

The 2022 Summer Reading Program begins next week at 65 libraries across Maricopa County

PHOENIX, Ariz. – May 25 – 65 libraries across the County are gearing up for Summer Reading as Maricopa County Reads opens June 1 at MaricopaCountyReads.org (English) or CondadoDeMaricopaLee.org (Spanish). With a community goal of 50 million minutes read, Maricopa County Reads is one of the county’s largest literacy efforts and plays a vital role in reducing learning loss while transitioning between school years.

“Building a community of readers means we are building a community of problem-solvers, collaborators, and lifelong learners,” said Bill Gates, Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, District 1. “The Summer Reading program is just one way to continue building an even brighter future for Maricopa County.”

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 in-person and virtual events hosted by librarians and local performers, completing summer reading challenges, and participating in community experiences to find secret codes while exploring Maricopa County.

Prizes vary based on the amount of points readers achieve. Readers who achieve 1,000 points can choose a free book for their home library, or to donate to a local Head Start classroom. The theme of this year’s program is “Oceans of Possibilities”, encouraging readers of all ages to explore the many stories from under the sea.

SUMMER READING FAST FACTS:

WEBSITE:

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

PROGRAM DATES:

Registration open now
Participants earn points from 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)
Free Chips & Guacamole appetizers (teens & adults)

750 Points:

Arizona State Park Pass (all ages)
Phoenix Mercury Tickets (all ages – up to 4 tickets)

1,000 Points:

Free Book (all ages)

Grand Prize & Weekly Drawings:

Family Passes to Legoland Discovery Center
Family Passes to Sea Life Aquarium
Family Passes to Harkins Theaters
Family Passes to Hurricane Harbor
Childsplay Theatre 2-Ticket Bundle
Childsplay Theatre Prize Pack
Family 4-Pack of tickets to the Superbowl LVII Experience
Changing Hands Prize Packs
Arizona Science Center Prize Packs

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 inspires curiosity, encourages discovery and exploration of new worlds, and helps residents reconnect with their community. In 2020, MCLD 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.