Summer Learning
Summer events
Read all summer long!
Swing by any library to pick up a reading tracker now, which includes activities families can do together to boost kids' reading power!
Mark your calendars to pick up a free book starting June 1st (while supplies last).
Try something new by signing up for Summer Learning challenges online through Beanstack. Stir up some friendly family competition for the most time spent reading this summer, with audio books included on your vacation drives!
Or challenge friends, colleagues, or far-flung siblings near other Beanstack participating libraries for title of Best Book Nerd ever.
Find something to read
Data dive
You can be a scientist this summer! Scientists all around the world are working on projects and they need your data. By collecting and sharing data, you are helping to solve real-world problems.
Our Community Science Kits have everything you need to make observations and share your findings. The kits focus on three areas: Biodiversity - document and identify plants and animals around you, Pollinators - identify and count pollinators as they visit flowering plants and Measuring Light at Night - help gather light pollution data.
Be creative
Have you had adventures (imaginary or real) that you simply MUST share? The library has a place for you to do just that, all year round!
Send us your story of up to 500 words long and the library may post it on our PCPL Kids YouTube page for everyone to see.
If you want, you can express your inner artist and illustrate the story as well. If not, our library artists will create pictures to go with your fantastic adventure. You can find information about submitting your work and read submissions by others on the library website.
Summer activity ideas
Culture Passes and Museums 4 All
An unusual way that “Adventure Begins at your Library” might be our Culture Pass Program! Did you know that you can “check out” a pass good for two free adult admissions to many museums and attractions in Tucson? And there are also some great places to explore in Phoenix and Flagstaff as well. There is usually a reduced-price fare for those under 18, which makes having a local adventure more affordable for families all summer long!
Museums 4 All is a nationwide program that supports those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) with reduced admission to more than 1,300 museums throughout the United States. It encourages individuals of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum habits. Simply present your SNAP EBT (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Electronic Benefit Transfer) card for $3.00 entry for up to four individuals. Check out the participating museums in Arizona and enjoy your adventure!
Explore the Night Sky
Summer is the perfect time of year for stargazing. The key to stargazing is to pick a clear night and find a spot that’s away from the city lights and clear of trees. Take a notebook with you and a pencil. As you look up at the night sky, try to make out patterns in the stars. You can even check out a telescope from your local library! Yes, we have those to borrow too. Check the link here for more information!
Visit your Arizona State Parks
There are so many adventures you can have in a state park throughout Arizona, no matter how long you stay. Plus, with more than 30 parks, you can always find something new to explore and discover. Whether you’re looking for kid-friendly trips in Arizona or searching for activities that will encourage children’s connection to nature, your Arizona state parks offer fun for the whole family! Arizona State Parks and Trails offers a free Day-Use Entry Pass to all readers in Pima County, so pick up a pass at your local library while supplies last.
Ride Bikes
Jump on your bikes or take a walk on the Huckelberry Loop Path. Look for the pieces of art scattered along the path. Bike or walk downtown to look for the art and murals there. Pick up a map showing the location of each piece of art on these two adventures at the Southern AZ Heritage and Visitor Center (115 North Church) or at your library. The center has lots of information about other places to have free adventures around Tucson and Arizona!
