Published on August 06, 2026
The Maricopa Library & Cultural Center has wrapped up its biggest and most successful Summer Reading Program ever, with record-breaking participation, millions of minutes spent reading, and unforgettable experiences that brought families together all summer long.
From exciting performances and hands-on activities to discovering new favorite books and earning prizes along the way, this year's Summer Reading Program once again proved that the library is one of Maricopa's favorite summer destinations. Beyond the fun, the program helps students maintain critical literacy skills while school is out and inspires a lifelong love of reading for participants of all ages.
A total of 1,910 readers registered for the 2026 Summer Reading Program, an increase of more than 7 percent over last year. Together, participants logged an incredible 1.6 million minutes of reading which is the equivalent of someone reading for 30 minutes every single day for more than 145 years. This is an increase of nearly 310,000 minutes which is equal to a staggering 215 straight days of reading! And, nearly 800 readers crossed the finish line by completing the program, an impressive increase of more than 20 percent from 2025.
The excitement didn't stop with the books. Participants earned 3,723 prizes throughout the summer, from reading incentives to special giveaways. That's enough prizes to fill an entire wall of shelves and it doesn't include the 32 weekly incentive prizes awarded to readers who reached the maximum weekly reading goal or the seven Grand Finale Prize Packs presented to participants who completed the entire program.
The fun extended far beyond the pages of a book. Nearly 2,000 people attended library events throughout the summer, enjoying educational programs, live performances, creative activities, and family-friendly experiences. Judging by the smiles captured in this year's photos, it's safe to say there were plenty of memories made along the way.
"Seeing more residents participate than ever before shows just how much our community values education, literacy, and the opportunities the library provides," said Library Manager Angela Howell. "Every page turned represents a child strengthening their reading skills, a family spending meaningful time together, or someone discovering the joy of learning. We couldn't be more proud of what our participants accomplished this summer."
Another milestone came through community collaboration. The library partnered with a record number 28 local sponsors. Their generosity made it possible to offer more prizes and incentives than ever before while strengthening relationships between the library, local businesses, and community organizations.
If you weren't part of this year's Summer Reading Program, you missed one incredible summer at the library, but there are still programs and reading challenges held throughout the year. Be sure to stop in or visit us online to learn more!