If you ever participated in a certain beloved pizza-based summer reading program as a kid, then you already know the thrill of tracking your books, earning a prize and basking in the glory of free pizza. That kind of motivation made reading feel like an adventure and a celebration.

We think adults deserve that same joy.

This summer, Tucson Spotlight and Tucson Tome Gnome are back for year two of our Tucson Summer Reading Club for grown-ups, now with Pima County Public Library joining as a partner. Whether you're rediscovering your love of reading or already have a growing TBR stack, this program is for you.

Track your reads, complete fun challenges, and earn prizes, just like the old days.

📖 Why a reading club for adults?

Reading doesn't stop being magical after childhood. In fact, many of us crave the time, space and community to dive into great books, and a little encouragement never hurts.

This club is about bringing people together through stories, supporting local bookstores, and reigniting that spark we felt when reading was both personal and celebrated.

Whether you're into fiction, memoirs, graphic novels, or genre-bending epics, your reading counts, and it just might earn you some pizza.

🌟 How to participate

Starting June 1, pick up your reading tracker and book bingo card at any Pima County Public Library branch, or at:

• Stacks Book Club, 1880 E. Tangerine Rd., Suite 140 or their new location at 2920 E. Broadway Blvd. (once its open.)
• Homeward Books Collective, 3054 N. 1st Ave, Unit 8.
• Or download them here and print them out on your own (find them here on June 1.)

Once you've got your materials, track your reading, take on the bingo challenge and aim for those rewards!

Pima County Public Library librarians have put together more than 20 curated reading lists to help you find your next book, covering everything from horror and cozy sci-fi to immigration stories and science.

🎁 Prizes

We're keeping the spirit of Pizza Hut's "Book It!" program alive, with a Tucson twist:

• 📚 Read 5 books – Earn a limited edition sticker.
• 📚 Read 10 books – Earn a limited edition sticker + bookmark.
• 📚 Read 15 books – Earn a limited edition sticker + bookmark + magnet or button.
• 📚 Read 20 books – Earn a limited edition sticker + bookmark + magnet or button + a book or a pizza coupon
• 🧩 Complete a row on the bingo card – Be entered into a raffle to win a limited edition tote bag. Each completed row counts as a separate entry.

All prizes will be distributed at our end-of-summer celebration on Sunday, August 16, 9 a.m. to noon at Coalition Space, and at library branch parties starting Aug. 14. Be sure to bring your card and tracker and come early -- quantities are limited and prizes are first come, first served.

📍 Why join?

• Reconnect with the joy of reading for fun, for growth or for a little friendly competition.
• Support Tucson's incredible network of local bookstores and authors.
• Discover new titles, genres, and maybe even reading buddies.
• Get rewarded for something you love, no essays or reports required.

So grab your favorite bookmark, choose your next great read and join us for a summer of stories, stickers, and yes, pizza.

Three community events are planned across the summer: a book swap and kickoff at Coalition Space on June 7, a mid-summer book swap and market at Di Luna Candles on July 11, and the end-of-summer party at Coalition Space on Aug. 16.

Follow Tucson Spotlight, Tucson Tome Gnome and the Pima County Public Library on social media for updates, book recs, event details, and more. Happy reading! 📚🍕

Tucson Spotlight is a community-based newsroom that provides paid opportunities for students and rising journalists in Southern Arizona. Please support our work with a paid subscription.