Peoria Mayor Cathy Carlat is excited to announce her sixth 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 at least 20 minutes a day over the summer.
“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.”
Residents can sign up and receive a bookmark to track their reading at the Peoria Main Library, located at 8463 W. Monroe Street, or Sunrise Mountain Library, located at 21109 N. 98th Avenue. The completed bookmark can be turned in for a chance to win prizes in mid-program and final program drawings. Prizes includes gift cards, complete 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:
Thursday, June 17: You Have the Right to Read
Council Chambers Parking Lot, 8401 W. Monroe Street
9 – 10 a.m.
Check out the SWAT Mobile Command Unit and learn about police equipment.
Thursday, July 1: Reading is Hot
Sunrise Mountain Library, 21109 N. 98th Avenue
9 – 10 a.m.
Be a junior firefighter and spray a real firefighter hose.
Thursday, July 15: Touch a Truck
Peoria Community Center, 8335 W. Jefferson Street
9 – 10 a.m.
Check out a garbage truck and street sweeper.
Participants may also receive extra drawing entries by attending a story time at Pop-Up Peoria in Park West. Visit popuppeoria.com for the program schedule. For more information, visit peoriaaz.gov/library.
