Ah, the nostalgia of summers past—when the sun was hot, the days were long, and our biggest worry was which book to read next. Picture this: it's the early 90s, and school’s out for the summer. What’s a kid to do? Well, if you were anything like us, you’d head straight to the local library for the summer reading program extravaganza!
Growing up, our summer ritual was set in stone. The day after school let out, Mom would round up my brother and me and off we’d go to the library—ready to conquer the shelves and fill our arms with books galore. We’d emerge with a stack taller than us, brimming with tales of adventure, mystery, and maybe a touch of magic.
But wait, there’s more! It wasn’t just the library’s program we dove into; we were bona fide Book It enthusiasts. Remember Pizza Hut's Book It program? Oh yeah, we were all in! Who could resist the siren call of free Personal Pan Pizzas—and all we had to do was read? We devoured books faster than you could say "extra cheese," racing to meet those coveted reading goals.
Fast forward to today, and guess what? The tradition lives on! Summer reading programs at libraries across Maricopa and Casa Grande are still the bee's knees. And hey, the Book It program? It's still kickin' it after 40 years—proving that some things never go out of style.
So, fellow bookworms and pizza lovers, join us as we dive headfirst into the wonderful world of summer reading programs. Whether your kiddos are tots or teens, there’s something for everyone. So grab your library card, dust off your reading glasses, and let’s make this summer one for the books—literally!
Summer Reading Programs in Maricopa and Casa Grande
Camp Book It by Pizza Hut
Program Dates: June–August
We've got some saucy news straight from the oven—get ready for a summer full of reading fun with CAMP BOOK IT! 📚🍕 That's right, Pizza Hut isn't just serving up slices, they're dishing out delicious reading incentives for your little bookworms.
So, what's the scoop? CAMP BOOK IT! is firing up from June to August, and it's open to all families with kiddos from PreK to 6th grade (that's ages 4-12, in case you lost count in the chaos of parenthood!).
Here's the cheesy lowdown on how it all works:
- Enroll - Dive into our free, digital, parent-led summer reading program to give your child's reading habits a tasty boost.
- Read - Whether it's paperback, hardcover, eBooks, or even comic books, encourage your kiddo to devour anything and everything in print. And hey, we've got some sweet summer resources to help beat that dreaded summer slide.
- Track - Pop your child's reading progress into our digital dashboard for June, July, and August. It's as easy as pie!
- Reward - When your little one smashes their reading goal, slide that tracker all the way over to snag their certificate for a Personal Pan Pizza. Cue the happy dance!
- Redeem - Use the secret code on your child's certificate to claim their well-deserved treat. We've got all the deets on how to redeem right there on the certificate.
Ready to join the reading revolution? Enroll now on Pizza Hut’s website and let's make this summer one for the books—literally! 📖🍕
City of Maricopa Library & Cultural Center
18160 N Maya Angelou Dr, Maricopa, AZ 85138
Adventure Begins at Your Library: Summer Reading Program
Registration Begins: May 19, 2024
Summer Reading Dates: June 2—July 27, 2024
Dive into a world of books, imagination, and endless fun. Get your capes ready, because the City of Maricopa Library & Cultural Center is gearing up for an epic Summer Reading Program, and you're invited to join in on the action.
"Adventure Begins at Your Library" is not just a theme, it's a promise of excitement that'll keep you flipping pages all summer long. From June 2 to July 27, 2024, the City of Maricopa Library is turning the page on ordinary and inviting readers of all ages to embark on a journey through the pages of their favorite books.
With school out, it's crucial to keep those gears turning and minds exploring. Angela Howell, the Library Manager, puts it best, “Reading opens doors to new worlds, sparks imagination, and cultivates essential skills that extend far beyond the classroom.” We couldn't have said it better ourselves.
This program isn't just about checking off minutes—it's about igniting a passion for lifelong learning and adventure. And guess what? It's not just for the kiddos! Reading knows no age limits. So whether you're 8 or 80, there's something special waiting for you within the pages of a book.
Thanks to the generosity of local community sponsors, you'll have the chance to earn some awesome rewards along the way. We're talking Crumbl Cookie, Papa John's, Bahama Buck's, Culver's, and more!
Ready to jump in? Here's how to get started:
- Step 1: Click here to head on over to the website and create an account.
Step 2: Track your kiddo’s reading minutes—or yours!
Step 3: Earn badges, rewards, and more.
Extra Fun
Throughout the summer, the library will also host an array of exciting events lined up to complement your reading journey.
Arizona Rick's Spectacular Show
June 1, 2024 | 10—11 AM
Join us for an unforgettable experience with Arizona Rick! Watch as laughter and excitement fill the air during this incredible show that promises non-stop entertainment for children and families alike.
Magical Moments with Matt Lemm
June 6, 2024 | 10—11 AM
Prepare to be amazed by award-winning magician Matt Lemm! His interactive magic shows are guaranteed to captivate audiences of all ages, making it an event the whole family will enjoy.
Papa Hugs Music Extravaganza
June 15, 2024 | 10—11 AM
Let the enchanting world of Papa Hugs take you on a musical journey! Sing, dance, and laugh along to the delightful tunes of David Sharpe, as his whimsical characters come to life before your eyes.
Adult Painting with Stephanie Schwarzen
June 22, 2024 | 2—3 PM
Unleash your creativity with artist Stephanie Schwarzen! Join us for a relaxing afternoon of painting, where you can explore your artistic side and create beautiful masterpieces inspired by nature and wildlife.
Adventure Movie Marathons
Every Friday from June 7 to July 26, 2024 | 10 AM—4 PM
Each Friday, join us at 10:00 AM, Noon, and 2:00 PM for a series of three different movies based on a common adventure theme (Pirates, Outer Space, Fairy Tales, etc.) playing for the enjoyment of movie-goers of all ages.
Casa Grande Public Library
Main Library - 449 N Drylake St, Casa Grande, AZ
Vista Grande Library 0 1556 N Arizola Rd, Casa Grande, AZ
Adventure Begins at Your Library: Summer Reading Program
Registration: May 1—June 29, 2024
Summer Reading Kick Off: June 3 at the Palm Island Family Aquatic Park
Calling all summer readers! Get all the details and pick-up your summer reading log at the 2024 Summer Reading Program kick-off ADVENTURE at the Palm Island Family Aquatic Park. You must be registered for summer reading in order to attend this event.
In-person registration and reading log pickup begins Tuesday, May 28 at the Main Library and Vista Grande Library.
As we reflect on those golden summers of the past, filled with endless adventures and the joy of discovering new stories, it's heartwarming to see these beloved traditions continue to thrive. The summer reading programs in Maricopa and Casa Grande, along with Pizza Hut's enduring Book It program, are more than just activities—they are gateways to imagination, learning, and cherished memories.
Whether you're a nostalgic adult recalling your childhood summers or a parent eager to instill a love of reading in your children, these programs offer something special for everyone. So, grab your library card, sign up for these exciting summer events, and dive into a world where every page turn brings a new adventure. Here's to making this summer one for the books—literally! Happy reading!
