NE Valley Times

The Scottsdale Public Library, in collaboration with Maricopa County Reads, will commence the Summer Reading Challenge on June 1. The initiative aims to encourage participants to read for a total of 1,000 minutes over the summer period, which equates to approximately 20 minutes per day. This effort is designed to mitigate the 'summer slide,' a phenomenon where students lose some of the academic gains made during the school year.

“The Summer Reading Challenge is such an exciting program offered throughout our library system – and this year’s theme, Adventure Begins at Your Library, is the perfect way to entice future and current readers,” said Michael Beck, Scottsdale Public Library director. "The Summer Reading Challenge isn't just about meeting a quota; it's about fostering a lifelong love of literature for kids, teens and families.”

Participants in the challenge will track their reading minutes and earn prizes based on age categories. Each minute read corresponds to one point. Prizes are provided by local community partners including Friends of the Scottsdale Public Library, Harkins Theatres, Phoenix Mercury, among others. In addition to reading and logging minutes, families can gain points by completing online challenges, participating in community experiences, and attending programs at any of the four library branches.

Registration for the Summer Reading Challenge can be completed online or by visiting any branch of the Scottsdale Public Library.