Arizona’s summer reading program ‘Oceans of Possibilities’ encourages library visits

Contributed Article

PHOENIX – Arizona Summer Reading Program encourages readers of all ages to dive into the ocean depths this summer and participate in the Oceans of Possibilities Summer Reading Program.

The Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records are partnering with 235 public libraries and neighborhood branches statewide to launch the program. The start date may vary from library to library, but generally runs from June 1 through Aug. 1 and plays a vital role in helping to reduce what is known as the “Summer Slide” — the learning loss experienced while transitioning between school years.

“The Arizona Summer Reading Program is one of the state’s major annual community literacy efforts,” said State Librarian Holly Henley. “Libraries are looking forward to welcoming children and families to their buildings to participate in person this summer.”

Jon Johnson File Photo/Gila Herald: Visit the Safford City – Graham County Library to participate in the Oceans of Possibilities Summer Reading Program.

Each Arizona library is encouraged to adopt the “Oceans of Possibilities” theme and resources to meet the needs and assets of their own community. Most libraries begin planning for summer reading in September to ensure their community has a quality experience and to support literacy when kids are not attending school.

The Arizona Summer Reading Program encourages readers of all ages to read 20 minutes a day. It offers library events like scavenger hunts, storytimes with sea animal experts, book bingo, ocean-related art projects, science, and engineering experiments, and more. Families are also invited to sign up to keep track of the total minutes read throughout the summer, either online or by using a paper gameboard.

“The informal approach to creative learning provided through summer library programs offers families the opportunity to stay engaged in learning even when schools are closed for summer,” Henley added. “We encourage all Arizonans to take advantage of free educational and enrichment activities at their local public libraries.”

Participating in your library’s summer programs is free. Call your local library or visit their website to learn more. Click here to visit the Safford City – Graham County Library’s website and here for the town of Pima Library or its Facebook page.

About the Arizona Summer Reading Library Programs

The Arizona Reading Program (ARP), sponsored by the Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, a division of the Secretary of State, promotes literacy development by providing resources that help librarians plan, promote, and implement reading programs for all ages. Each library is encouraged to adapt the resources to meet the needs and assets of its own community. This project is supported by the Arizona State Library, Archives & Public Records, a division of the Secretary of State, with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: Visit the Pima Public Library in Pima this summer.