Ahwatukee Farmers Market

See You at the Market

Every Sunday at the Ahwatukee Farmers Market, there is a different harvest. It occurs amidst the vibrant stalls of fresh produce and artisan goods. Creative Purpose Tempe, a local nonprofit, is cultivating a love of reading and learning in children. It proves that a community market can be a place of both nourishment and inspiration.

They offer beautifully designed t-shirts, tote bags, and coffee mugs to support their cause. However, the real magic happens at their interactive booth. Here, the transaction isn’t just monetary; it’s an exchange of joy and opportunity. As detailed on their website, their core mission is to “provide literacy opportunities for all children.” They bring this to life through two simple, powerful offerings.

First, any child who stops by their booth is invited to choose a free book to take home. This initiative is fueled by the generous donations of teachers, parents, and the organization’s own founder. This support ensures that every young visitor leaves with a new story to cherish. It’s a small act with a profound impact. This helps to build home libraries and reinforces the idea that books are gifts to be celebrated.

But the engagement doesn’t stop there. Understanding that fun is a powerful pathway to learning, Creative Purpose Tempe hosts a weekly game at their market booth. Children are encouraged to play—whether it’s a ring toss, a puzzle, or a guessing game—and every participant is a winner. The prize? Alongside a small token, they also get to select another free book. This approach transforms the acquisition of reading material into a positive, playful, and rewarding experience.

Photographs from their website perfectly capture the spirit of these interactions. One example is the joyful image of a child proudly holding up their new book at the market booth. Another example is the colorful display of their free book selection. Another great visual is their banner at the market, which clearly states their purpose and welcomes families.

Creative Purpose Tempe’s presence at the Ahwatukee Farmers Market is a testament to its community-driven literacy efforts. We are not just vendors. We are facilitators of imagination. With a little creativity and a lot of heart, you can plant the seeds for a lifelong love of reading. This happens right in the heart of your local marketplace.

Reading can be challenging for some kids, while others eagerly devour books! I struggled with reading in my youth and was diagnosed with dyslexia in high school. My tutor helped me find the tools to thrive. Every Sunday at the market, I give away free books to kids as young as 9 months old. You wonder what they do with books, but those bright colors and fun designs really grab their attention. Plus, when I read to them with enthusiasm—whether in English, Spanish, or Navajo—they soak up every word!