The National Aquarium's Read to Reef Book Club Returns This Autumn
Baltimore-area students can use their Pratt Library cards to read their way to free Aquarium visits
The National Aquarium is excited to welcome back the Read to Reef book club for its fall 2026 season, in partnership with the Enoch Pratt Free Library. Continuing the celebration of its tenth year, the free program has encouraged a decade of Baltimore students to discover the worlds of wonder beneath the ocean's surface while strengthening their reading skills.
Beginning October 1, Baltimore-area families with children in fifth grade and younger can show their library card at any branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library to receive a free Read to Reef bookmark, while supplies last. After reading five aquatic- or conservation-themed books—including recommendations from this season's Read to Reef booklist—families can redeem their bookmark online for free Aquarium admission for up to six guests. Visits can be reserved until January 18, 2027.
The Read to Reef booklist has been thoughtfully curated by Pratt librarians and Aquarium educators, featuring stories for all ages and reading levels. From read-aloud picture books to STEAM-powered nonfiction, Read to Reef's fall 2026 selections encourage every student to explore and connect with our blue planet.
"We're excited to kick off the school year with another season of Read to Reef," said Jennifer Driban, President and CEO of the National Aquarium. "Over the last ten years, the program has had an incredible impact on young Baltimore residents and their families, sparking curiosity, compassion, and connection with nature—both in the pages of books and in person at the Aquarium."
Nearly 27,000 Baltimore-area students have participated in Read to Reef over the past decade, reading a total of over 134,000 books since the program's inception in 2016. The program has resulted in more than 104,000 free aquarium visits for local families, where students can see the aquatic world they've read about come to life.
"Strong partnerships create strong communities, and our decade-long collaboration with the National Aquarium shows how Baltimore organizations can come together to make a lasting impact on their communities," said Chad Helton, President and CEO of the Enoch Pratt Free Library. "Each year, the Read to Reef program introduces new readers to the world of conservation and marine science and encourages them to discover the things and places around them, from their local library to the depths of the ocean."
"Read to Reef has been one of the most valuable local programs of my children's childhood, and we treasure the experiences we have had at the Aquarium over the years," shared a parent whose family participated in this year's spring session. "Thank you for making your amazing facility available for free through this program!"
Bookmarks are available on a first-come, first-served basis at all Pratt library locations while supplies last beginning October 1, and can be redeemed for Aquarium admission through January 18, 2027. Some blackout dates may be applicable. For more details, please visit the Read to Reef page.