CHANDLER, Ariz. – Chandler’s largest reading initiative begins in just a few days! The Summer Reading Challenge offers exciting ways to earn prizes and discover new stories, starting June 1. Chandler Public Library (CPL) joins 63 libraries across Maricopa County to work toward a community goal of 110 million minutes read during the challenge.
“The Summer Reading Challenge helps school-aged students stay on top of their reading goals during the summer,” said Chandler Library Program Manager Jean Reynolds. “Many students fall into the ‘summer slide’ where their reading skills slip during the break. This challenge helps motivate them to stay sharp until the school year begins.”
The Challenge is not just for kids, though, said Reynolds. “The Challenge is open to all ages – parents who read to their babies can track those minutes too! Chandler offers incredible rewards for adult and teen participants, featuring weekly prizes and branch-specific drawings for those who complete the Challenge by reading 1,000 minutes.”
Readers receive one point for each minute they read until July 20. Reading or listening to audiobooks just 25 minutes a day can easily get participants to the finish line of 1,000 points or minutes, earning great prizes along the way.
This year, the theme is “Unearth a Story,” inviting readers to dig into a good book, uncovering hidden histories and exploring new adventures. From dinosaurs to mining for gems, this theme takes readers on a journey through time and various places.
Readers may register now online on the Chandler Public Library website or in person at their local Chandler library. Once the Challenge begins on June 1, participants will track their minutes through July 20. As participants reach milestones with their logged minutes, they earn great prizes based on their age level. All participants who reach 1,000 points by July 20 will be included in additional drawings, and adult participants will be entered into weekly gift card drawings throughout the challenge.
CPL is offering a diverse range of free programs over the summer, earning participants extra points toward their Summer Reading Challenge goal. Participants may also earn extra points by visiting community destinations such as the Chandler Nature Center, Chandler Museum, the Vision Gallery, Huhugam Heritage Center and Chandler Aquatic Centers and Pools.
Prizes are supplied by a variety of local partners, including Arizona State Parks & Trails, Phoenix Mercury, Arizona Brick Co., Habit Burger, Peter Piper Pizza, Culver’s and many more food, retail and entertainment partners.
Each CPL branch offers a kick-off event to start the Summer Reading Challenge program season:
- Past to the Present with the Dino Crew – June 2 at 10 a.m. | Downtown Library, 22 S. Delaware St.
- Dr. T-Rex Science Exploration – June 4 at 10 a.m. | Hamilton Library, 3700 S. Arizona Ave.
- Science Heroes Digging It – June 5 at 11 a.m. | Basha Library, 5990 S. Val Vista Drive
- The Magic of Eric Giliam – June 6 at 10 a.m. | Sunset Library, 4390 W. Ray Road
More events and activities can be found on the CPL Summer Reading Challenge website.
The Summer Reading Challenge is hosted in partnership with Maricopa County Reads and is supported by the Friends of Chandler Public Library and the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services & Technology Act.
For more information, call the Chandler Public Library at 480-782-2800.
Media contact:
Malori Heppler
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
480-782-2910
Event contact:
Jean Reynolds
Library Program Coordinator
480-782-2751