"Fizz. Boom. Read." this Summer at Phoenix Public Library

Phoenix Public Library kicks off a free summer reading program for kids, teens and adults 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 31 at Burton Barr Central Library, located at 1221 N. Central Ave. Shoot off a rocket, learn how astronauts work on the International Space Station, create your own pocket universe and more.

“Fizz. Boom. Read” runs May 29 through July 27. Track your reading and play the online game to reach 1,000 points and earn a book of your choosing from a list of titles selected by library staff. You can also earn badges by visiting community partners and local cultural institutions. Get a secret code to claim your badge through the online game. Participating institutions include the Desert Botanical Garden, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, the Arizona Capitol Museum, Heritage Square, As You Wish Pottery Studios and more.

Visit a library near you for a science-themed program, including Reptile Adventures with Rich Ihle, “Mysteries of the Solar System” with the Challenger Space Center, Paper Electronics with Robot Ambassador Eric Ose, “Explore the Weather with Dr. Matt Pace” and much more.

“Fizz. Boom. Read.” is a county-wide effort to encourage kids and teens to read throughout their summer vacation. Research demonstrates that reading during the summer break forestalls learning losses and enables students to return to school better prepared to learn. The program is sponsored by the Maricopa County Library District. Additional support was provided by The Arizona Republic/Channel 12’s Season for Sharing and the Friends of the Phoenix Public Library.

Visit phoenixpubliclibrary.org to sign up and get a complete schedule of programs.

Phoenix Public Library is a system of 16 branch libraries and the Burton Barr Central Library. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/phxlibrary and “like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/phoenixpubliclibrary.