National Aquarium, Enoch Pratt Free Library Celebrate Return of Read to Reef

The National Aquarium, in partnership with the Enoch Pratt Free Library, is proud to announce the return of the Read to Reef book club for its spring 2022 season. The award-winning program connects Baltimore children's love of reading with the wonders of the aquatic world.

From March 1 through March 31, families of Baltimore-area children in fifth grade and younger can visit any Enoch Pratt Free Library location to get a Read to Reef bookmark using their library card, while supplies last. After reading any five aquatic- or conservation-themed books on the Read to Reef booklist, the reader's family can visit the Aquarium's website and enter the code on their bookmark to make a reservation for free admission for up to four guests through June 19, 2022.

This season's Read to Reef booklist includes titles suitable for children of all reading levels—from children who have not yet learned to read to older students looking to dive deeper into their fascinations of our blue planet. From works that children can read by themselves to books that families can enjoy together, there is something for everyone on this season's list.

"It's so rewarding to see the pride on children's faces as they enter the Aquarium with their families, knowing it is their achievement that brought them on this adventure," said National Aquarium Community Programs Manager Sarah Doccolo. "Through this program, we are not only encouraging Baltimore students' love of reading but also inspiring them as the next generation of hopeful conservationists."

"We are so happy to be partnering with the National Aquarium on another season of the Read to Reef book club," says Pratt Library President & CEO Heidi Daniel. "The Pratt Library's core mission is to provide access. This program provides access for families across Baltimore to this world-class aquarium right here in our city."

With over 66,000 books read since the program's launch in 2016, more than 47,000 Baltimore-area young readers and their families have visited the National Aquarium free of charge after participating in the Read to Reef book club.

Quotes from Past Read to Reef Participants (2021):

"Thank you so much for this opportunity. My children loved reading the books and visiting the Aquarium for the first time."

"We love Read to Reef. Thank you for making the Aquarium accessible to city families!"

"Thank you so much for this program! We love all aspects of it. The incentive of the Aquarium provides a great opportunity for the kids to be excited about reading together, and they love sharing what they learned reading about while we're visiting the Aquarium."