MARICOPA COUNTY READS BEGINS JUNE 1

The 2023 Summer Reading Program begins next week at 65 libraries across Maricopa County

Summer Reading banner

MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. – May 22 – 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). The theme of this year’s program is “All Together Now,” encouraging readers of all ages to explore stories of unity, kindness, and community.

“This year’s summer reading theme is a great reminder of all that we can accomplish when we come together,” said Clint Hickman, Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, District 4. “Maricopa County Reads brings 19 public, tribal, and military library systems together to work towards the same goal of promoting learning and literacy throughout our great county.”

Participating libraries are hoping to hit a community reading goal of 65 million minutes read by August 1. Participants earn one point per minute for reading physical or electronic books, or listening to audiobooks. Additional points are earned for attending library events, 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 to keep, or to donate to a local Head Start classroom.

SUMMER READING FAST FACTS:

WEBSITE:

PROGRAM DATES:

  • Registration open now
  • Participants earn points from June 1 through August 1

HOW TO EARN POINTS:

  • Reading physical and electronic books
  • Listening to audiobooks
  • Attending library events
  • Participating in Community Experiences
  • Completing Summer Reading Challenges

PRIZES:

500 Points:

  • Free personal pizza coupon from Peter Piper Pizza (ages 0-11)
  • Free lemonade coupon from Raising Cane’s (all ages)

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:

  • Childsplay Theatre 2-Ticket Bundle
  • Childsplay Theatre Prize Pack
  • Musical Instrument Museum Prize Packs

PARTICIPATING LIBRARY SYSTEMS:

65 libraries from the following systems are participating:

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

SUMMER READING KICK-OFF EVENTS:

Interview requests at these events can be made to Samantha Mears at samanthamears@mcldaz.org or 602-577-3497.

Litchfield Park Library

When: Thursday, June 1, 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: 101 W. Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340
What: Crafts, activities, face painting, games

Fountain Hills Library

When: Saturday, June 3, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: 12901 N La Montana Dr, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
What: Foam party with a mountain of cool, clean, allergy-free foam

North Valley Regional Library (Anthem, AZ)

When: Saturday, June 3, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: 40410 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem, AZ 85086
What: Crafts and activities

ABOUT MARICOPA COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT:

The Maricopa County Library District (MCLD) is a special taxing district that runs 15 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 nearly 2 million visitors, holds thousands of free events and programs for all ages, and hosts Maricopa County Reads, the award-winning Summer Reading Program. In 2022, the Library District held nearly 2,000 library events, 2,300 online events, and circulated 8.6 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.