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 Arizona Summer Reading Program, June 1 through Aug. 1, encouraging people of all ages to read for at least 20 minutes a day.
This year's theme is "Adventure Begins at Your Library," encouraging pre-readers through adults to explore the library, read books, win prizes and have fun.
"Most people don't realize our summer reading programs are open to adults as well as children. We want to make summer reading fun and accessible for everyone and encourage parents to join in on reading with their kids," said Polly Bonnett, Mesa Library Director. "Reading over the summer is not only vital for children to keep up their reading fluency and comprehension skills, but it also has benefits for all ages."
While online registration is encouraged, there will also be events at all four Mesa Library branches on June 1 to allow library patrons to register:
Main Library, 64 E. First St., from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sign up and participate in arts and crafts.
Red Mountain Branch, 635 N. Power Road, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sign up and participate in a scavenger hunt in the library.
Dobson Ranch Branch, 2425 S. Dobson Road, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. will be offering a Family Book Swap where you can swap good condition books for something new to read. The program supports the City of Mesa's Climate Action Plan.
Mesa Express Library (MEL), 7045 E. Monterey Ave., from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. will have Family Storytime with stories, songs and literacy-boosting activities. Please bring water since the event is outdoors.
Participants can earn online badges to keep a healthy competition with family and friends and they can collect secret codes for extra points. There are secret codes at the City of Mesa pools, i.d.e.a. Museum, Arizona Museum of Natural History, Mesa Arts Center, Falcon Field and at every library event.
A link to register and get information on prizes is available at mesalibrary.org/summerreading. You can also log your reading hours. 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 numerous raffle prizes.
Mesa Library's participation in the Arizona Summer Reading 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.