The Maricopa County Summer Reading Program for kids isn’t just for elementary aged children! Did you know there’s a parent version, and a non-reader, toddler version, too?
Today we’re sharing more about how the library’s summer reading program has something for everyone in your family, and how to earn prizes that will make your summer activity budget go further.
Summer for me used to mean sitting by the pool, relaxing with a good book.
These days sitting by the pool includes swimming goggles, pool noodles, getting splashed in the face and “Watch this mom!”
There’s not a lot of time to relax.
But, summer is still a great time to pick up a good book (not just your kids!).
So, here’s everything you need to know to earn prizes for reading for kids, non-reading children and parents.
XO,
East Valley Moms
How to sign up for the Maricopa County Summer Reading Program
Sign up at your local library! All the local branches of city libraries are participating in programming for kids, parents and non-reading children.
Even if you don’t have a library card, sign up (and get a library card while you’re there)!
How do toddlers who can’t read yet participate in the Maricopa County Summer Reading Program?
There’s a full tracker of literacy-promoting activities that the summer reading program counts as “reading time” for babies, toddlers and non-readers.
The activities include being read aloud to, singing songs together, visiting the library, etc. Each activity counts as 50 minutes “read.”
What kind of prizes are given through the Maricopa County Summer Reading Program?
The prizes have really improved year over year, and the prizes can absolutely extend a family’s summer activity budget.
Prizes include: food and drinks from popular restaurants (pizza, Mexican food and more), plus Phoenix Mercury tickets, AZ State Parks passes and more.
Budget hack: The Maricopa County summer reading program is offered through all East Valley city libraries, but Mesa Libraries added even MORE prizes, so if you’re near Mesa, it may be worth participating through them to get even more prizes and raffle drawings for things like passes to the IDEA Museum, pogo passes, downtown Mesa gift cards and more.
I haven’t read since I had kids; I need inspiration on what to read
There’s several local moms on Instagram sharing their reading journey, including Bookish in the Desert and Lattes and Literature. These are good accounts to start following for inspiration not only on what to read, but how other busy moms squeeze in reading time (and yes, audio books count as reading).
Happy reading! And may you hopefully get at least one day this summer where you can relax and read by the pool, in a kid free environment!
