MCLD summer reading program ongoing

It’s not too late to catch up on summer reading. The Maricopa County Library District opened its summer reading program June 1 at 65 libraries across the county and online at maricopacountyreads.org. This year’s theme is “Adventure Begins at Your Library,” to remind readers that an adventure is only a library card away.

The public libraries at Bell and Fairway recreation centers are a part of the county district.

“There is still plenty of time to join the library’s Summer Reading Program and earn some great prizes,” said Samantha Mears, MCLD communications director. “Not only can you earn points by reading books, ebooks, and audiobooks, but you can boost your point total by attending free events at your library or heading out to visit one of our Community Experience partners.”

With a community goal of 70 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.

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.

“With nearly 200 summer reading events happening across the county, your library is a great place to spend the hot summer days ahead,” said Chairman Jack Sellers, who represents District 1 on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.

Prizes are awarded to readers at 500, 750, and 1,000 point milestones. Readers who achieve 1,000 points can choose a free book to keep, or to donate to organizations supporting youth in the community.

Maricopa County Reads is open for all ages to participate, bringing 19 public, tribal, and military library systems together to work towards the same goal of promoting learning and literacy throughout our great county.

The program ends Aug. 1.

The Maricopa County Library District is a special taxing district that operates 15 libraries countywide. Each year, the 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. For Maricopa County a library card is free.

For more information, visit https://mcldaz.org.