Sign Up for Mesa Library Summer Reading Program

Sign Up for Mesa Library Summer Reading Program

Mesa Public Library aims to keep the community engaged all summer long with its summer reading program and related activities.

Registering for summer reading is a fun and smart way to start the summer. You can sign up now as Mesa Public Library participates in the Maricopa County Reads Program, June 1 through July 20, encouraging people of all ages to read for at least 20 minutes a day.

This year's theme is "Unearth a Story," celebrating dinosaurs and encouraging pre-readers through adults to explore the library, read books, win prizes and have fun.

Participants can earn online badges to keep a healthy competition with family and friends as they earn points by reading and collecting secret codes for extra points at library events, with the goal of reaching 1000 points by July 20.

Every minute spent reading equals one point. There are prizes for all ages when they log 250, 500, 750 and 1000 points. Based on point levels, prizes include restaurant coupons, Arizona State Parks passes, Phoenix Mercury tickets and free books. All prizes and coupons are subject to availability while supplies last. Readers who finish the program with 1000 points will be entered for raffle prizes.

"Our goal is to make summer reading enjoyable and accessible for everyone while encouraging families to read together," said Polly Bonnett, Mesa Library Director. "Reading during the summer not only helps children maintain and strengthen their reading fluency and comprehension skills, but it also offers meaningful benefits for readers of all ages."

Mesa Library's participation in the Maricopa County Reads Program plays a vital role reducing the "Summer Slide" or the learning loss experienced while transitioning between school years. Studies have shown that students who participate in a summer reading program have better reading skills at the end of the third grade and score higher on standardized tests than those who do not. Summer reading loss is also cumulative - by the end of 6th grade, children who consistently lose reading skills over the summer will be two years behind their classmates. Reading just five books over the summer can prevent summer reading loss.

While online registration is encouraged, there will also be kickoff events at three Mesa Library branches to allow library patrons to register:

•Monday, June 1 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., the Gateway Branch, 5036 S. Eastmark Parkway, will be hosting a foam party with giant bubbles, music and dancing. Event registration is required.
•Monday, June 1 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., the Red Mountain Branch, 635 N. Power Road, will Dino Crew Entertainment in the library. Tickets will be handed out 30 minutes prior to the program.
•Wednesday, June 3 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. the Main Library, 64 E. First St., will have dinosaur-themed arts and craft activities.

A link to register and get information on prizes is available at mesalibrary.org/summerreading.