Chandler, AZ. – Summer is just around the corner, and Chandler Public Library (CPL) is gearing up for its annual Summer Reading Challenge. Anyone from pre-readers to seniors can join the program, which invites participants to read daily and earn fun prizes for their efforts from June 1 through August 1. Registration begins May 1. 

The Summer Reading Challenge is specially designed to interrupt the summer slide, the common term given to learning loss experienced by children while transitioning between school years. 

“Summer is a time where kids need access to fun and educational activities to help their minds stay in habit of reading,” explains Jean Reynolds, Library Programming Manager.  “Research shows that an average of six weeks in the fall are spent relearning material that was forgotten during the summer. Our challenge is one of the easiest ways to motivate young readers and turn summer slide into summer success while nurturing a lifelong love of reading.”

Reynolds added that the single task of reading 20 minutes per day makes better readers, stimulates healthy brain development and improves academic performance. 

Starting June 1, pre-readers to retirees are encouraged to read 20 minutes a day. Readers must log their minutes to earn points towards exciting prizes such as free food gift certificates to popular restaurants like Peter Piper Pizza, Culver’s and Chicago favorite Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria. With each minute milestone reached, participants unlock new prize tiers. Readers who complete the challenge by achieving 1,000 points by the end of summer receive a free book and are entered into a drawing for various grand prizes in their age group. The complete prize list is available on the Chandler Public Library website. 

Throughout the summer, CPL branches will be hosting special themed activities and events with secret codes to help readers achieve their points. 

Additionally, CPL’s many personalized services make it easy for readers to find their next read and qualify for more points. Participants are encouraged to take advantage of the Library’s Bag of Books program, which enlists the help of library staff to create take-home bags of books selected for their age group and interests. Young readers will receive 20 books, and teens and adults will receive 10 books. Once bags are filled, they are available for pick-up at your desired location. 

Patrons can get a head start when they create their Summer Reading Challenge Account online, starting on May 1. Once the challenge begins, readers may sign up online or in person at any library location. 

The Summer Reading Challenge is hosted in partnership with Maricopa County Reads and is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services & Technology Act. 

For more information, call the Chandler Public Library at 480-782-2800.