MaricopaCountyReads.org

Summer Reading Program Information

The Peoria Public Library system is one of 65 libraries across the County gearing up for Summer Reading as Maricopa County Reads opens June 1 at MaricopaCountyReads.org (English) or CondadoDeMaricopaLee.org (Spanish). With a community goal of 103 million minutes read, Maricopa County Reads is one of the county’s largest literacy efforts and plays a vital role in reducing learning loss while transitioning between school years.

Participants earn one point per minute for reading physical or electronic books (including graphic novels) or listening to audiobooks. Additional points are earned for attending in-person and virtual events hosted by librarians and local performers, completing summer reading challenges, and participating in community experiences to find secret codes while exploring Maricopa County.

Summer readers receive milestone prizes at 500 and 750 points. Participants who achieve 1,000 points can choose a free book to keep, or they can choose to donate to organizations supporting youth in the community. The theme of this year’s program is “Unearth A Story”, inviting the community to embark on a journey of art and creativity this summer!

How It Works:

• Pre-registration is available on May 1, 2026.
• The program runs from June 1 through July 20.
• Participants may register and log minutes by visiting: MaricopaCountyReads.org
• Participants can earn points by:
  • Reading physical and electronic books.
  • Listening to audiobooks.
  • Attending Summer Reading events.
  • Participating in community experiences.
• To learn more about the Maricopa County Reading program, Click Here.

Library Card Design Contest

Kids (ages 5-11) and teens (ages 12-17) are invited to participate in a special 2026 library card design contest offering two theme choices this summer: 'Unearth A Story' and 'America 250'! Participants can submit two entries this year, one for each theme! Applications will be available at your local Peoria Public Library beginning June 1 or download and print them from the link below. The winner will get a grand prize of a $100 gift card. The contest guidelines are as follows:

• Participants may submit one entry per theme for a total of 2 entries. Submissions must be entered only for the participant's age group.
• Please use the entire space within the borders of the template on the application.
• Crayon, marker, colored pencils and/or paint may be used. All art must be hand-made.
• A.I. generated, digital or photo manipulated artwork will not be accepted.
• Entries will be judged on content, color, creativity, relevance and reproducibility.
• ORIGINAL ARTWORK ONLY. We cannot accept artwork that may be an infringement on copyrighted work. This includes characters and objects from movies, television shows, videogames and literature.
• All artwork must be done by the individual entering the contest and be of reproducible quality for printing. All entries are property of the City Of Peoria.
• Applications will be available for download or at the library service desks starting June 1.

Entries will be accepted from June 1, 2026, to August 1, 2026, with the winner to be announced in September.

Summer Reading Events

Thank you

The Peoria Public Library would like to thank The Friends of the Peoria Public Library for their continued support in our mission of literacy and lifelong learning.