Title
Phoenix Public Library Summer Reading 2022 Results
Description
This report provides the Community and Cultural Investment Subcommittee with information regarding Phoenix Public Library's annual Summer Reading Program for 2022.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY.
Report
Summary
Research demonstrates that children who voluntarily read during out of school time, after school and during school breaks perform better on reading assessments. Regular reading during summer vacation is particularly important to stem or reverse summer reading loss.
Summer Reading 2022, themed "Oceans of Possibilities," kicked off on June 1 and continued through Aug. 1, 2022. The program, developed in partnership with the Arizona Department of Education, was comprised of an online interactive program encouraging participants to read and log at least 20 minutes a day. The online game featured avatars, digital badges, and educational games for children. In addition, a wide range of in-person family friendly programs, including theater and music performances, magic shows, wellness workshops, and STEM activities were well attended throughout Phoenix Public Library's 17 locations during the two months of the program. Kid and teen participants were eligible for weekly, milestone and grand prize drawings at all 17 Phoenix Public Library locations. Summer Reading is open to all ages and each minute of reading earns one point with every participant logging 1,000 or more minutes earning a free book of their choice. Youth participants received a free book at 500 and 1,000 minutes of reading logged.
This year's Summer Reading Program saw a 77 percent increase in participation with more than 20,800 customers reading and logging over 15.2 million minutes. Of these participants, 13,262 signed up for the first time. This level of participation is close to pre-COVID pandemic Summer Reading programs. Children (ages five to 11) logged the most reading with 6.5 million minutes logged.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Inger Erickson and the Library Department.