Seventh Annual Peoria Reads Program Now In Progress The Mayor’s Summer Reading Program Encourages Youth to Read Daily

Peoria Mayor Cathy Carlat is excited to announce her seventh annual summer literacy program: Peoria Reads: Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader. The free program was created to encourage Peoria’s youth and future workforce to read over the summer. Participants who read at least 20 minutes a day from June 1 to July 31 will earn drawing entries and the chance to win prizes.

“Helping our children acquire a love of reading is a gift that lasts a lifetime and I’m excited to kick off the summer with this valuable reading program,” says Mayor Carlat. “With fun events and several opportunities to win great prizes over the next couple months, I hope families join us on this reading adventure.”

Participants may visit the Peoria Main Library, located at 8463 W. Monroe St., or Sunrise Mountain Library, located at 21109 N. 98th Ave., to pick up a bookmark to begin tracking their reading. The completed bookmark may be turned in for a chance to win prizes in mid-program and final program drawings. Prizes includes gift cards, book sets, and digital reading tablets donated by the Friends of the Peoria Public Library. To add to the fun, additional drawing entries are available by attending free events throughout the summer.

Summer Reading Program Events:
Thursday, June 16 from 9-10 a.m.
Sunrise Mountain Library: 21109 N. 98th Ave.
“You Have the Right to Read” with the Peoria Police Department: Check out the SWAT Mobile Command Unit and learn about police equipment.

Thursday, June 30 from 9-10 a.m.
Peoria Main Library: 8463 W. Monroe Ave.
“Reading is hot” with the Peoria Fire-Medical Department: Be a junior firefighter and spray a real firefighter hose.

Thursday, July 14 from 9-10 a.m.
Peoria Community Center: 8335 W. Jefferson St.
“Touch a Truck” with the Public Works Department: Check out a garbage truck, street sweeper, and more.

Thursday, July 28 from 9-10 a.m.
Peoria Center for the Performing Arts: 10580 N. 83rd Dr.
TheaterWorks hosts character meet and greet with Junie B. Jones, games, and giveaways.

For more information, visit peoriaaz.gov/library.