Title
Phoenix Public Library's 2026 Summer Reading Program - Citywide
Description
This report provides the Economic Development and Housing Subcommittee with information regarding Phoenix Public Library's 2026 Annual Summer Reading Program.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
Summer Reading 2026, themed "Unearth a Story", will officially kick off on June 1 and continue through July 20. While the program is open to all ages, the heart of it is an online, interactive game featuring avatars, digital badges and educational challenges for children (developed in partnership with the Arizona Department of Education). Participants are encouraged to read at least 20 minutes a day, which is a standard benchmark for developing and maintaining reading skills. Each minute of reading earns one point, with a goal of logging 1,000 or more minutes during the summer.
The online game is paired with a wide range of family friendly programs, including theater and music performances, magic shows, wellness workshops, zoo programs, arts and crafts, STEM activities, and weekly prize drawings for kids and teens at all 17 Phoenix Public Library locations. Participants receive a free gently-used book at registration and a new book at completion. In addition, children and teens earn another new book at the half-way point, along with other prizes.
Research demonstrates that children who read during out-of-school time, after school and during summer vacation perform better on reading assessments. Voluntary reading, at least 20 minutes a day, during summer vacation is particularly important to stem or reverse summer reading loss. In 2025, more than 25,500 customers participated by reading and logging minutes.
The annual Summer Reading Program has also been an opportunity for teen engagement through a summer teen volunteer program. Teen volunteers help with signing families up for the Summer Reading Program, handing out prizes, assisting with children's programs, creating book lists and displays, and other tasks as assigned. The Library recognizes that for many teens the Phoenix Public Library is their first job, so volunteers receive significant training and guidance; each summer we have more than 150 teens apply, interviewed and trained as library volunteers. The teen volunteer recruitment began April 1, applications are available online at Volunteer PHX portal: https://www.phoenix.gov/volunteer.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Library Department.