Local libraries participate in summer reading challenge

The 2025 “Maricopa County Reads” summer reading program marks its halfway point as readers  at many public, tribal and military base libraries across the state retain reading abilities over summer break and earn prizes in the process.

Now in its twelfth year, the initiative from the Maricopa County Library District is designed to combat the summer slide, the common learning loss children experience between school years. With more than 80,000 participants annually, the program promotes daily reading habits, early literacy, and family engagement with a goal: read 20 minutes a day and have fun doing it.

The program started in early June but readers can sign up at any point before the program closes on Friday, August 15.

According to the program website,participants can log their minutes online, earn points, win prizes and explore literacy-based activities both at the library and in their communities.

The program offers three main gameboards tailored to different reading levels:

• Pre-Reader (ages 0–4): Children and caregivers complete activities and track reading time together, earning points for every task completed. Each colored-in shape on the printable gameboard is worth 50 points.
• Kid and Adult Gameboards: Participants log every minute they read, whether it’s a book, comic, or audiobook. One minute equals one point, and each 20-minute block can be marked off on their gameboard. Additional activities unlock secret codes and digital badges.
• All Abilities Gameboard: Designed for emerging readers or children with cognitive disabilities, this flexible option allows participants to track a mix of reading and literacy activities, with each activity earning 50 points.

All reading counts, including being read to, independent reading, and listening to audiobooks. Participants can enter minutes read in their online account. While entering book titles and authors is optional, accurate tracking is needed to unlock prizes.

Participants begin earning rewards as soon as they start logging their progress. Prizes vary by age group and are available while supplies last:

500 points earns a Peter Piper Pizza personal pizza coupon or a Raising Cane’s free drink coupon. 750 points will get readers an Arizona State Parks pass, a Ono BBQ free Ono Keiki meal or Phoenix Mercury tickets. 1,000 points, the end goal is celebrated with a free book, chosen from a selection of more than 150 titles

Prizes can be picked up at each participating local library throughout the summer, including Georgia T. Lord and the Litchfield Park Branch Library.

In addition to milestone rewards, participants will be entered into special prize drawings, including Phoenix Art Museum prize packs, Childsplay Theater ticket packages, a Harkins Theatres family prize pack and Uptown Jungle jump passes.

A unique feature of the program is its community experiences which connect reading with real-world exploration. Families can attend workshops, scavenger hunts, and local events hosted by partner organizations. These off-site activities offer secret codes that can be entered online to unlock bonus points and badges.

To find community experiences, visit the “Events” tab in your online reading account or ask for a list at your local library.

The program's emphasis on tracking minutes rather than books ensures that readers of all abilities can participate. This inclusive approach supports beginning readers and individuals with cognitive disabilities who may read at different paces.

Participants can also interact with the online platform to earn digital badges by logging minutes, completing challenges, and entering codes. Badges serve as virtual rewards for progress and achievements.

Hours can be logged until  the challenge ends  at MaricopaCountyReads.org. Participants can print their gameboards, track their reading minutes, and begin earning prizes right away.