Once again, the National Aquarium and Enoch Pratt Free Library are teaming up for the Read to Reef Book Club for Baltimore City elementary school children for October 2025.
Launched on Oct. 1 and running throughout the month, the program inspires students to experience the joy of reading while deepening their love for and connection to the ocean world. Baltimore families with children in fifth grade and younger can use their library cards to get a free Read to Reef bookmark at any Enoch Pratt Free Library location.
After they read five books about the ocean, ocean conservation, or the aquatic world, families can use the bookmark’s code to claim free Aquarium admission for up to four guests. The bookmark can be redeemed for admission through Jan. 19, 2026.
The library and aquarium staff and educators collaborated to create a booklist designed to encourage readers of all ages and skills to dive deep into the world of water, wildlife, and conservation. There are vibrant picture books on the list, along with imaginative stories and inspiring nonfiction which children can choose.
Some of the books include “The Earth and I” by Frank Asch, “Rachel Carson’s Wonder-Filled World” by Kate Hannigan, “On an Ocean Journey: Animals in Motion Through the Seas” by Elizabeth Shreeve, and “The Last Straw: Kids vs. Plastics” by Susan Hood.
Different locations of the Pratt Library are also hosting Read to Reef events throughout the month for children and families to enjoy along with their ocean-themed reading. On Monday, Oct. 6, the Waverly Branch is hosting a Read to Reef Crafternoon where kids are invited to sponge paint an aquarium. On Wednesday, Oct. 15, the Cherry Hill branch invites kids to create Sea Creature clothespin puppets. This link has more information about these and additional Read to Reef activities at library branches around the city.
“Read to Reef isn’t just about reading or visiting the Aquarium,” said Sarah Doccolo, community programs manager at the National Aquarium. “This program was designed to engage families in exploration and learning, encouraging children to ask questions, make connections, and develop a lasting understanding of the ocean and its ecosystems.”
The Read to Reef program has had more than 23,000 Baltimore-area students participate in the decade since it began. They have read more than 119,000 books and experienced the Aquarium free of charge, creating core aquatic memories to cement their knowledge and connection to aquatic life.
“Read to Reef is a perfect example of Baltimore partnerships in action,” said Chad Helton, president and CEO of the Enoch Pratt Free Library. “It invites children and families to discover the magic of reading and the wonders of our ocean, sparking imagination and a love of learning every step of the way.”
Bookmarks are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Families should be sure to redeem them for admission to the National Aquarium by Jan. 19, 2025.
