Parents across Arizona are looking for ways to keep their kids engaged and learning outside the classroom during summer. There are a variety of free and low-cost reading programs offered by libraries, schools and community groups that provide a fun and educational option for children of all ages.
From storytimes for toddlers to reading challenges for teens, these programs help prevent summer learning loss and foster a lifelong love of reading.
AARP Foundation Experience Corps – Read On Phoenix
A volunteer-based tutoring program helping children become proficient readers by third grade.
Arizona Educational Foundation – Summer Reading Skills Program
Programs teaching key reading skills from phonics for younger children to comprehension and reading speed for older kids.
Avondale Public Library – Summer Reading Program
Kick-off event at Phoenix Raceway and a summer filled with reading challenges and activities.
- Cost: Free
- Address: 11350 W. Civic Center Drive, Avondale
- Phone: 623-333-2601
- Website: Avondale Library
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley – Summer Camp
Provides academic enrichment activities, including reading and writing, alongside recreational programs.
- Cost: Varies; scholarships available
- Address: Multiple locations across the Phoenix area
- Phone: 602-954-8182
- Website: Boys & Girls Club
Glendale Public Library Summer Reading Program
A reading program offering prizes like books and park passes for logging reading minutes.
Native Health – Kindergarten Boot Camp
A seven-week program preparing children entering kindergarten with essential literacy skills.
- Cost: Free
- Address: 4041 N. Central Ave., Building C, Phoenix
- Phone: 602-279-5262
- Website: Native Health
Native Health – Raising A Reader
An eight-week early literacy workshop for children birth to age 5, providing books and resources to families.
- Cost: Free
- Address: 4041 N. Central Ave., Building C, Phoenix
- Phone: 602-279-5262
- Website: Native Health
Phoenix Country Day School – Summer Programs
Offers a variety of classes including reading and writing enrichment for different grade levels.
- Cost: Varies by course
- Address: 3901 E. Stanford Drive, Paradise Valley
- Phone: 602-955-8200
- Website: Phoenix Country Day
Phoenix Public Library – Summer Reading Program
A city-wide reading challenge with prizes and events to keep kids engaged in reading throughout the summer.
Super Why Reading Camps by Arizona PBS
Free literacy camps for 4–5-year-olds, helping them build reading skills through interactive activities.
- Cost: Free
- Address: Various locations; check website for Phoenix availability
- Phone: Contact via website
- Website: Arizona PBS
Don’t see your favorite summer reading camp listed? Help us expand our guide with great programs for kids of all ages. If you know of a literacy or reading camp that should be included, let us know and we’ll get it added. Email your listing to: Aznews@iniusa.org
Editor’s note: A grant from the Arizona Local News Foundation made this story possible. The foundation awarded 15 newsrooms to pay for solutions-focused education reporters for two years. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
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