Surprise library touts 700‑minute reading goal, stadium story times and spring programming

The staff member leading the meeting said the mayor’s winter literacy challenge has attracted roughly 2,400 participants and that "we have over 4,000,000 minutes read between January 1 and today." The staff member reported that more than 46% of participants have already reached the 700‑minute reading goal and that many readers exceeded that target.

Staff described March as 'Books & Baseball' month and said the library will hold stadium story times where children may attend for free and parents can occupy lawn seats before baseball games. "If they got through the full 700, they got 7 spring training tickets," the staff member said, noting the reading goal is tied to small prizes and team‑oriented incentives.

The presentation also previewed other youth and family programming, including curated giveaways (baseball cards and small swag) paired with story times, and a few key programs timed to avoid overwhelming staff during a busy spring schedule. The staff member said the library values the partnership with the sports, entertainment and culture department and plans to repeat or expand successful elements next year.

Staff emphasized the programs are intended to counteract a post‑holiday reading slump and to increase community engagement with library services. The staff member also described outreach efforts, professional development opportunities for staff tied to conference attendance, and an upcoming community art installation scheduled for Feb. 28.

Looking ahead, staff said they will circulate event dates and volunteer opportunities to commissioners; no formal action was taken on programming at the Feb. 12 meeting.