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Phoenix Public Library reports record summer reading participation and new partnerships
Summary
Library staff told the subcommittee the summer reading program drew 25,529 participants (including 16,000+ children/teens), logged more than 23 million reading minutes, expanded bookmobile service and established partnerships with artists and Phoenix Rising to boost card sign‑ups and access.
Phoenix Public Library staff reported record participation in this year’s summer reading program and described partnerships that extended services beyond library branches.
Wendy Resnick (Children and Teen Services) told the subcommittee the library recorded 25,529 participants this summer, including more than 16,000 children and teenagers, and collectively logged more than 23,000,000 minutes of reading. "We recruited and trained 209 teenagers this summer," Resnick said, noting teen volunteers helped run programs, shelve books and distribute prizes.
Lee Franklin, the library’s community relations director, described three partnership efforts that expanded reach: participation in A Very Levé Day (a global music‑artist initiative that led to a special book‑club card and 800 special edition cards issued), a ticket checkout partnership with Phoenix Rising (cardholders may check out two general‑admission tickets for home matches and receive a significant discount at the box office), and the city’s bookmobile, launched in March 2024.
Franklin said the bookmobile has welcomed almost 30,000 visitors, created nearly 3,000 new Phoenix Public Library cards and checked out almost 13,000 items; in July 2025 the service began monthly visits to the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center and will appear at veterans‑focused events in November.
Library staff told the committee they do not expect operational impacts from the federal government shutdown because the library’s operating funds are local; some grants are already dispersed. Council members praised staff for the reach and asked about marketing tactics and route details for the bookmobile. Staff said regular stops include 67th Avenue and Trailside Park, visits to elementary schools, senior centers and scheduled event appearances.
Why it matters: the library framed the investments as free enrichment opportunities for families and a way to reduce access barriers for communities without nearby branches.
What’s next: staff will work with council offices to increase outreach and promote district reading challenges next summer.
