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

The theme of this year's program is “Adventures Begin at the Library,” reminding everyone that adventures begin with a library card.

According to a press release, with a community goal of 70 million minutes read, the Maricopa County Reading Initiative is one of the largest literacy efforts in the county and plays a key role in reducing learning delays during transitions between school years.

Participants earn one point for every minute they read a print or e-book or listen to an audiobook, and can earn additional points by attending library events, completing a summer reading challenge or taking part in a community experience where they find secret codes while exploring Maricopa County.

“With nearly 200 summer reading events taking place across the county, libraries are the perfect place to spend the hot summer days ahead,” said Chairman Jack Sellers, who represents District 1 on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.

Readers will be awarded prizes at milestones of 500 points, 750 points and 1,000 points.

Readers who earn 1,000 points can choose a free book to take home or donate it to an organization that supports local youth.

Maricopa County Reading Club is an event open to people of all ages, bringing together 19 public, tribal and military library systems working toward the same goal of promoting learning and literacy throughout the county.

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

Registration is now open, and participants will track points from June 1st through August 1st.

Summer Reading Program Prizes (while supplies last)

500 points: A coupon for a free personal pizza from Peter Piper Pizza (ages 11 and under) and a coupon for a free lemonade from Raising Cane's (all ages).

750 points: Arizona State Parks Pass (kids 5-11, teens, adults) and Phoenix Mercury ticket (all ages – max 4 per person)

1,000 points: Free books for all ages

Grand Prize and Weekly Draws: Child's Play Theatre 2-Ticket Bundle, Child's Play Theatre Prize Pack, LEGO Minecraft Set, Harkins Theatre Family Prize Pack, and Crayola Experience Family Prize Pack.

Some library systems have partnered with more prize partners to offer additional prizes, so participants should contact their local library for a complete list.

Participating Library Systems

A total of 65 libraries from the Valley region are participating in the summer program, including Fort McDowell Tribal Library, Maricopa County Library District including Fountain Hills Library, Mesa Public Library, Phoenix Public Library, Salt River Tribal Library and Scottsdale Public Library. For a complete list of participating libraries, visit the website.