A total of 65 libraries are participating in the Maricopa County Summer Reading Program which opened June 1.

The theme of this year’s program is “Adventure Begins at Your Library,” reminding all that an adventure is just a library card away.

With a community goal of 70 million minutes read, Maricopa County Reads is one of the county’s largest literacy efforts and plays a vital role in reducing learning loss while transitioning between school years, a press release read.

Participants earn one point per minute for reading physical or electronic books or listening to audiobooks. Additional points are earned for attending library events, completing summer reading challenges and participating in community experiences to find secret codes while exploring Maricopa County.

“With nearly 200 summer reading events happening across the county, your library is a great place to spend the hot summer days ahead,” said Chairman Jack Sellers, who represents District 1 on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.

Prizes are awarded to readers at 500-, 750- and 1,000-point milestones.

Readers who achieve 1,000 points can choose a free book to keep or donate to organizations supporting youth in the community.

Maricopa County Reads is open for all ages to participate, bringing 19 public, tribal and military library systems together to work toward the same goal of promoting learning and literacy throughout the county.

To access the Summer Reading Program, visit MaricopaCountyReads.org (English) or CondadoDeMaricopaLee.org (Spanish).

Registration is now open and participants track points June 1 through Aug. 1.

Summer Reading Program Prizes (while supplies last)

500 Points: Free personal pizza coupon from Peter Piper Pizza (age 11 and younger) and a free lemonade coupon from Raising Cane’s (all ages).

750 Points: Arizona State Park Pass (kids ages five-11, teens and adults) and Phoenix Mercury Tickets (all ages – up to four tickets per person)

1,000 Points: Free book (for all ages)

Grand Prize and Weekly Drawings: Childsplay Theatre two-ticket bundle; Childsplay Theatre Prize Pack; LEGO Minecraft sets; Harkins Theater family prize packs; and Crayola Experience family prize packs.

Some library systems work with more prize partners to offer additional prizes. Participants should check with local libraries for a full list.

Participating library systems

A total of 65 libraries from around the Valley are participating in the summer program. They include Fort McDowell Tribal Library; Maricopa County Library District, which includes Fountain Hills Library; Mesa Public Library; Phoenix Public Library, Salt River Tribal Library; and Scottsdale Public Library. For a complete list of participating libraries, check the website.