Summer reading programs for students - 2025

By Stacy Mantle
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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.

• Cost: Free
• Address: Various schools in Phoenix
• Phone: 602-256-4388
• Website: Read On Mesa  | Read On Tempe | Read On Northern Pinal

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.

• Cost: Varies by program
• Address: Multiple locations in Arizona
• Phone: Contact via website
• Website: Arizona Educational Foundation

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.

• Cost: Free
• Address: Multiple branches in Glendale
• Phone: 623-930-3600
• Website: Glendale Public Library

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.

• Cost: Free
• Address: Multiple branches across Phoenix
• Phone: 602-262-4636
• Website: phoenixpubliclibrary.org | avondalelibrary.org

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.