Maricopa Library rewards readers this summer

Maricopa Library and Cultural Center’s summer reading program fosters literacy for children and adults alike during the summer months.  

Readers can earn badges and points toward weekly prize drawings for every minute spent reading through July 31. Registration is free through the library’s READSquared website.

“Those prizes are a little bigger than just sandwich or ice cream coupons,” library manager Angela Howell said. “For example, there’s some fun engineering books for teens that are coupled with big, elaborate wooden puzzles.” 

The program also features missions – such as an indoor scavenger hunt or unlocking a secret staff code – as well as games and weekly events.  

It encourages kids to form healthy habits and improve their comprehension skills. Last year, about 1,500 readers participated in the program and logged 442,992 minutes.  

Howell said a lot of literary events go to the wayside during the summer.   

“Children often think of reading as a school time activity,” she said. “So, this is a way for kids to continue reading making it fun and entertaining for them.” 

For more information, call 520-568-2926.