Kick off your summer in a fun and enriching way by signing up for the Mesa Public Library’s Summer Reading Program. Running from June 1 to August 1, this program is part of the Arizona Summer Reading Program and encourages everyone, from pre-readers to adults, to read at least 20 minutes a day.
This year’s theme, “Adventure Begins at Your Library,” invites participants to explore the library, read books, win prizes, and most importantly, have fun. “Many people don’t realize that our summer reading programs are open to adults as well as children,” said Polly Bonnett, Mesa Library Director. “We want to make summer reading enjoyable and accessible for everyone, and we encourage parents to read with their kids. Summer reading is crucial for children to maintain their reading skills, but it also benefits all ages.”
Registration and Kickoff Events
Online registration is highly encouraged, but you can also register in person at any of the four Mesa Library branches on June 1:
- Main Library (64 E. First St.): 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. – Sign up and enjoy arts and crafts.
- Red Mountain Branch (635 N. Power Road): 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Participate in a library scavenger hunt.
- Dobson Ranch Branch (2425 S. Dobson Road): 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Join the Family Book Swap and exchange good-condition books for something new to read. This program supports the City of Mesa’s Climate Action Plan.
- Mesa Express Library (MEL, 7045 E. Monterey Ave.): 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Attend Family Storytime featuring stories, songs, and literacy-boosting activities. Remember to bring water since this event is outdoors.
Earn Badges and Win Prizes
Participants can earn online badges and secret codes for extra points, creating a healthy competition among family and friends. Secret codes can be found at City of Mesa pools, the i.d.e.a. Museum, the Arizona Museum of Natural History, the Mesa Arts Center, Falcon Field, and at every library event.
Logging your reading hours is easy at mesalibrary.org/summerreading, where you can also find information on prizes. Every minute spent reading equals one point. Prizes are awarded at 250, 500, 750, and 1000 points, with rewards including restaurant coupons, Arizona State Parks passes, Phoenix Mercury tickets, and free books. Supplies are limited, so act fast! Additionally, readers who reach 1000 points will be entered into a raffle for numerous prizes.
Combat the Summer Slide
Mesa Library’s involvement in the Arizona Summer Reading Program is crucial in combating the “Summer Slide”—the learning loss that can occur during the summer break. Research indicates that students who engage in summer reading programs exhibit better reading skills by the end of third grade and achieve higher scores on standardized tests compared to those who do not. Notably, reading just five books over the summer can prevent this skill loss.
Join the Mesa Library Summer Reading Program today and make reading a part of your summer adventure. Visit mesalibrary.org/summerreading to register and start logging your reading hours!
