Chandler Public Library’s Summer Reading Challenge starts June 1, according to a news release.

Readers receive one point for each minute read until Aug. 1. Reading or listening to audiobooks for just 20 minutes a day can get participants to the finish line of 1,000 points or minutes, earning prizes along the way.

This year, the theme is “Color Our World,” which embraces how reading ties into creative arts like painting, music and dance. CPL is offering a diverse range of free programs focused on the arts, earning participants extra points toward their Summer Reading Challenge goal.

Readers can register online at chandlerlibrary.org/src or in person at their local Chandler library. Once the challenge begins on June 1, participants will track their minutes through August 1.

As participants reach milestones with their logged minutes, they earn prizes based on age level. All participants who reach 1,000 points by August 1 will be included in additional drawings, and adult participants will be entered into weekly gift card drawings throughout the challenge.

Prizes are supplied by a variety of local partners, including Arizona State Parks & Trails, the Phoenix Mercury, Raising Cane’s, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, Peter Piper Pizza, and Culver’s.

Participants can also earn extra points by visiting community areas such as the Chandler Nature Center, Chandler Museum, Vision Gallery and Chandler Aquatic Centers and Pools. 

Some of the Summer Reading Challenge featured events at CPL include:

• Tiny Art Sessions: Art-lovers of all ages can participate in one of these drop-in sessions to paint a small canvas. Their masterpieces will be displayed at the Color Our World Tiny Art Show at Downtown Library on June 7, featuring music from the Chandler Symphony and hands-on activities for all ages. 
• Summer Art Series: Adults can get creative in these instructor-led sessions, exploring different art media.
• Tri-City Puzzle Tournament: Grab a partner and see if you are the fastest puzzler in the East Valley! The fastest team to complete a 500-piece puzzle in the set time will move on to compete against the fastest puzzlers from Mesa Public Library and Tempe Public Library.

Each library will also host a kickoff event:

• June 2: Magic and Balloons at Sunset Library
• June 3: Reptiles Around the World at Downtown Library
• June 5: Jungle Jill at Hamilton Library
• June 6: Funny Magic Show with Magician Matt Lemm at Basha Library 

More events and activities can be found on the CPL Summer Reading Challenge website.

The Summer Reading Challenge is hosted in partnership with Maricopa County Reads and is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services & Technology Act.

For information, call the Chandler Public Library at 480-782-2800.

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