Valley libraries race to grab the hearts and minds of kids through fun, innovative and often incentivized summer reading programs

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Summer reading might as well be synonymous with summer vacation. For generations, school-aged kids from kindergarten through high school have spent hours in book stores and libraries, seeking out escapist fiction, biographies, science fiction, romance and other ways to pass the time in paper form.

Tales of giant marlin and "the old man and the sea," Charlotte's barnyard pig pal, and treasure-hoarding JRR Tolkien dragons feed youthful imaginations and keep kids fresh for the upcoming school year.

"Our goal is to get kids excited about summer reading while helping them maintain or advance their reading skills," says Cindy Kolaczynski, county librarian and director of the Maricopa County Library District, which includes 17 facilities. "(Our programs) are designed to do exactly that, providing many fun and engaging activities and events at the library, as well as community experiences."

Thankfully, county and municipal libraries and area retailers support the long-standing summer reading tradition, often giving incentives to kids to keep their noses in the books. Free books, games, food – even iPads – encourage kids of all ages to keep reading. Here are a few Valley programs for summer readers.

Maricopa County Reads

The county's signature summer reading program, this year themed "Superheros: Every Hero has a Story," promotes literacy and reading skills through Aug. 1 by awarding points to young readers and giving away valuable prizes.

Earn one point for every minute read and record in a reading log for free food coupons at Chipotle and Raising Cane restaurants; 250 points earns a kids meal for those 11 and under, or a free burrito for those ages 12-17. Once you've earned 500 points, or minutes, choose a free book from the county's online marketplace.

Read 20 minutes each day and enter your progress into a log to be eligible for weekly prize drawings for iPads, LeapFrog games and to collect all five chapters of an original, action-packed superhero story.

In addition to the Superheros program, each of the county's 17 branches present their own programming, such as weekly All-Ages Story Time at popular Perry Library in Gilbert or Magic: The Gathering, a card trading game geared toward teens at the Northwest Regional Library in Surprise.

For more information and to register for the Superheros summer reading program, visit www.maricopacountyreads.org or www.mcldaz.org. Call 602-652-3000.

Phoenix Public Libraries

All 17 Phoenix Public Libraries support the county's Superhero program and use the theme throughout its own programming for kids, teens and adults this summer. Everything from arts and crafts to singalongs drive home reading and superheros.

In "Super Fun with Super Heroes," at noon on June 13 at the Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd., participants will learn about the bionic eye and create 3-D drawings that come to life with 3-D glasses. All supplies provided but quantities are limited. No registration required.

Younger readers squeal at magician Richard Steele's mind-reading ability and other feats of magic during frequent performances this month at multiple Phoenix library locations.

Attend a Silk Screen T-Shirt Workshop and learn the basics of this art form with local expert Red Rohall Wednesdays, June 17-July16, at various locations.

For learn more about Phoenix Public Library locations and summer reading programs, visit www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org or call 602-262-4636.

Arizona Diamondbacks 500 Club

Your hometown professional baseball team encourages kids 12 and under to read their way to Chase Field this summer by reading 20 minutes a day, and at least 500 total minutes, to earn one complimentary ticket to a regular season baseball game (excluding Aug. 8) as part of the team's 500 Club Reading Program, conducted in partnership with the University of Phoenix.

Additional tickets for friends and family also will be available at a discounted rate. Complete reading and redeem tickets by Oct. 4.

Register and download a reading log at http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/ari/community/reading_club_form.jsp.

Scottsdale Public Libraries

Celebrating 60 years in Scottsdale, the venerable Scottsdale libraries present Reading Buddies Club through July 28 at the main Civic Center Library and Arabian Library.

Readers in grades 1-4 receive 90 minutes of reading support and encouragement from teen volunteers who use innovative tools including games, crafts and iPads to improve reading skills and confidence.

The five Scottsdale libraries also take pride in its collection of local authors for kids and teenagers. Rattlesnake Rules by Conrad Storad and All's Fair in Love, War and High School by Janette Rallison are two to consider, which also may be applied to the county's reading program that Scottsdale libraries endorses.

The Civic Center Library is located at 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd.; the Arabian Library is at 10215 E. McDowell Mountain Ranch Road. 480-312-7323. www.scottsdalelibrary.org.

Glendale Public Libraries

Pick up the city's Create, Connect and Collaborate reading form through Aug. 1 at any of its three locations to keep track of your child's reading and earn valuable prizes like gift certificates, books and more.

Create, Connect and Collaborate events like "Lego Mania," "Fun with Yo-Yos," "Balloon Twisting," "Pow-Kick Drawing" and "Desert Necklaces" are led by entertaining hosts throughout the summer and are intended for both younger and teenage readers.

Another important summer series titled "Guys Read" fosters reading through a book discussion group for boys grades 3-5. Games and arts and crafts related to the weekly titles keep it fun and engaging.

Guys Read meets at 11:30 a.m. Thursdays in June at Glendale Main Library, 5959 W. Brown St., Glendale, 623-930-3530. www.glendaleaz.com/library.

Mesa Public Libraries

The city's four facilities supports the county's Superhero reading program, but also promotes many other events for kids across all age groups — from toddlers to high schoolers.

Daily story time events like "Family Storytime," "Toddler Time" and "Kinder Prep" introduce little ones to the joy of reading, while school-age kids enjoy special summer programming like "Lego Club," "Mesa (computer) Code Club" and "Mad Science."

Teenagers especially will want to consider June 8-18 "Film Camp," an introduction to filmmaking that meets weekdays through June 18, screenwriting, editing and film production at Red Mountain Library. Guest speakers from the Phoenix Film Foundation share their experiences. Find the Main Library at 64 E. First St.; the Red Mountain Branch is at 635 N. Power Road. Contact Library Services at 480-644-3100. www.mesalibrary.org.

Tempe Public Library

This facility follows the county's Superhero reading incentive program, but also offers young and teenage readers separate programming like "Totally Tempe Thursdays" intended for kids 12 and younger.

Local authors and entertainers visit weekly through July 23.

Learn more about specialty crime fighting with the Tempe Police Department's K9 unit July 23 and meet the dogs and handlers that keep the public safe.

Tempe also wants teens involved, and has movie tickets and Best Buy gift cards available through Aug. 1 for readers and those who attend "Costuming and Comic Book Series" events. "Zombie Make-Up," "Comic to Costume," "Make Your Own Top Hat" and "How to Make and Self-Publish Your Comic Book" are just a few of the events available for teens.

The Tempe Public Library is located at 3500 S. Rural Road, Tempe, 480-350-5500. www.tempe.gov/library.

Avondale Libraries

These two bustling West Valley facilities actively promote the county's Superhero reading program and have tailored supplemental events within the theme. "Unmask!" — a program specially designed for teens — includes several arts and crafts and discussion groups like "Creating a Superhero Mask and Button of My Identity," "Steam Spot Tie Dye Bags," and "3-D Superhero Pop Art."

Younger readers may also want to attend "Puppet Making," "Science of Sound" and "Summer Craft," which are scheduled at both the Civic Center and Sam Garcia Western Avenue branches.

Kids of all ages can get out of the heat at 2 p.m. Mondays and Fridays in June and July for "Movies at the Library." Avondale's Civic Center Library is located at 11350 W. Civic Center Drive; Sam Garcia is at 495 E. Western Ave. Call 623-333-2602. www.avondalelibrary.org.

Barnes & Noble Stories

Visit any Valley location and pick up B&N's "Summer Reading is Fun" journal and earn a free book from a set collection geared toward readers from kindergarten through middle school.

Read eight books, fill out the journal and choose from fun titles like "I Funny" by James Patterson, "The 13-Story Treehouse" by Andy Griffiths and "Pinkalicious" by Victoria Kann.

The eight books do not need to be purchased at Barnes & Noble.

There are 11 Barnes & Noble locations in the Valley, including Tempe Marketplace, Arrowhead Crossing, Chandler Fashion Center and Metrocenter. www.barnesandnoble.com.

With all these great options, the kids will gladly put aside the video games and pick up a book this summer.

Extra Credit

The eight libraries on Arizona State University's four campuses are open to the public through the Community Borrower Card Program. Imagine having more than 3 million volumes at your disposal, along with study rooms, computer terminals and other services. The cost is $100 per year, or $25 if a member of ASU Alumni Association, and cardholders can designate two children under age 21 to check out materials. Proof of residency, photo identification and school IDs for children required. To learn more about the Community Borrower Card, visit https://lib.asu.edu/services/visitors.

Club Read

Changing Hands bookstores hosts free monthly book discussion groups for kids ages 8-12, which includes a related activity and pizza. Earn three points for attending each meeting and save up enough for free books, toys and Changing Hands gift cards. The bookstores are located at 6428 S. McClintock Drive in Tempe, 480-730-0205; or 300 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 602-274-0067. www.changinghands.com.

Maricopa County Libraries

Aguila Branch: 51300 W. U.S. 60, Aguila.

El Mirage Branch: 14011 N. First Ave., El Mirage.

Fairway Branch: 10600 W. Peoria Ave., Room 144, Sun City.

Fountain Hills Branch: 12901 N. La Montana Drive, Fountain Hills.

Gila Bend Branch: 202 N. Euclid, P.O. Box B, Gila Bend.

Goodyear Branch: 14455 W. Van Buren St., C-101, Goodyear.

Guadalupe Branch: 9241 S. Avenida del Yaqui, Guadalupe.

Hollyhock Branch: 15844 N. Hollyhock, Surprise.

Litchfield Park Branch: 101 W. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park.

North Valley Regional: 40410 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem.

Northwest Regional: 16089 N. Bullard Ave., Surprise.

Perry Branch: 1965 E. Queen Creek Road, Gilbert.

Queen Creek Branch: 21802 S. Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek.

Robson Branch: 9330 E. Riggs Road, Sun Lakes.

Southeast Regional: 775 N. Greenfield Road, Gilbert.

Sun City Branch: 16828 N. 99th Ave., Sun City.

White Tank Branch: 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell.

Main county library phone: 602-652-3000; www.maricopacountyreads.org; www.mcldaz.org

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