Summer has arrived at the library.

Today at the Wheeler Taft Abbett, Sr. Branch Library, I had the opportunity to work the desk for a few hours with Cheryl who handles publicity and outreach. It turns out she lives in Picture Rocks (my neighborhood!) so she visits Desert Winds Elementary, Picture Rocks Middle School and Head Start on a regular basis. She also attends the Citizens for Picture Rocks meetings and shares the latest news from the library.

Cheryl has been busy promoting the summer reading program, which is almost upon us. This year’s theme is “Our State, Our Story” in celebration of Arizona’s 100^th birthday. As we were conducting an inventory of the materials that will be handed out to anyone who signs up, Branch Manager Kendra Davey explained to me that instead of purchasing a theme and ancillary items from a vendor as they have in the past, Arizona decided that, given the unique opportunity the 100^th affords, to produce its own program and materials.

Another change: unlike previous years, rather than giving participants a prize when they hit certain milestones that have been set by the vendor (Great – you read 30 books, here is a pencil!), anyone who signs up sets their own goals. It may be reading a certain number of minutes, pages, books, books in a series, or non-fiction books – whatever the participant decides. The goal is recorded in a passport and, once it has been achieved, the participant gets a book of their very own.

The newspaper, Summer Reading Times, has a list of 100 activities. Participants are encouraged to try six and, every time they complete one, record it in their passport and bring it to the library to have it stamped. Depending on the situation, it either gets stamped with a rubber stamp or a real postage stamp gets glued inside. (I got a glimpse of the mini-suitcase holding all of the stamps donated by the Postal History Foundation – it’s very cool.)

A sampling of activities: make an Arizona flag, create a bookmark, spend some time outside and write down what you observe, read the newspaper, keep a journal for a week, read a ghost story with a flashlight, visit an Arizona museum, take a computer class at the library, try a new food...there is something on the list that covers every interest.

The newspaper also contains a calendar of events scheduled at each of the branches. You could literally do something different every single day of the week the entire summer – from cartooning to making pizza, learning about reptiles to yoga. The number and diversity of events is really impressive.

Adventure Pass 2012 lists 14 different places to visit in the state and contains coupons that can be clipped to help reduce admission fees. A reading list has been provided for each location along with a photo, short description, days/hours of operation and contact information.

It is obvious that a lot of time, energy and creativity went into this year’s program. I’m glad I am going to be around to see how it is received.  I’m betting it will be a great success and maybe, just maybe – since it is open to children, teens and adults – I will sign up!

Hmmm…what goal should I choose?