Maricopa Library Unveils Exciting Summer Reading Program Kicking Off June 1

Maricopa, AZ — As summer approaches, the Maricopa Public Library prepares to kick off its annual Summer Reading Program. Library manager Angela Howell describes this initiative as “our biggest event of the year.” The program spans eight weeks and aims to engage families in reading during the school break.

At the heart of the Summer Reading Program lies a commitment to fostering a love for literature. Howell emphasized, “The biggest purpose for the summer reading program is to keep the kids and adults engaged in reading over the summer.” Keeping reading exciting is crucial, especially for young learners.

Participants will track their reading minutes using a user-friendly app known as Beanstack. This modern approach offers rewards based on participation. Howell likens it to a contemporary version of the “Book It” program, but on a larger scale.

The program offers more than just reading logs. It encompasses a variety of interactive events and hands-on activities. Howell noted, “We have several large events and then we’ve got a ton of smaller events.” Intimate gatherings focus on crafts, while larger events can accommodate up to 260 attendees, featuring everything from science demonstrations to cultural experiences.

These cultural events include performances like taiko drumming, enriching participants’ knowledge alongside entertainment. Howell believes blending fun with educational elements is essential, saying, “Not only do the kids get to experience the Japanese drums, but they get to experience a little bit of Japanese culture.”

For younger audience members, Grammy-nominated children’s artist Papa Hugs will perform, creating excitement specifically tailored to toddlers. The program’s reward system incentivizes participation, with prizes awarded based on logged reading minutes. Local businesses contribute donations, offering items such as coupons for cookies, ice cream, and passes to the aquatic center.

These rewards aim to motivate not only children but also their families to partake in reading. Howell explained, “We want people to come to the library,” going on to highlight the diverse offerings available, including movies, video games, and educational tools. “We don’t just have books anymore.”

Another vital aspect is combating the summer learning loss, often termed the “summer slide.” Howell mentioned, “Kids lose a huge portion of the learning that they received the previous school year.” The Summer Reading Program aims to mitigate this loss by encouraging continuous engagement with literature.

The program’s impact has grown significantly in recent years. Last year, participants logged an impressive 944,182 minutes, doubling figures from 2023. A total of 1,298 participants earned over 11,000 digital badges. This year, there is a hopeful anticipation of breaking the 1 million minutes mark.

For families unable to actively participate, Howell suggests alternative reading opportunities, emphasizing that “reading isn’t just a book.” She encourages parents to use captioning while watching movies or to explore story-driven video games as creative ways to enhance reading skills.

Registration is straightforward. Families can sign up through the Beanstack website or app, allowing them to log reading time collectively. This encourages parents to engage in reading with their children. For those without internet access, in-person assistance is available at the library, ensuring inclusivity in participation.

The Maricopa Public Library’s Summer Reading Program promises a wealth of activities, community support, and a successful track record. Set to launch on June 1 and run through August 1, this program is more than just a summer pastime; it is a catalyst for lifelong learning.

As Howell states, “They look forward to it … which to us is a huge win.”