{"id":59730,"date":"2025-10-03T18:48:06","date_gmt":"2025-10-03T18:48:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/59730\/"},"modified":"2025-10-03T18:48:06","modified_gmt":"2025-10-03T18:48:06","slug":"time-again-for-kids-to-join-the-read-to-reef-book-club","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/59730\/","title":{"rendered":"Time again for kids to join the Read to Reef Book Club"},"content":{"rendered":"

Once again, the National Aquarium<\/a> and Enoch Pratt Free Library<\/a> are teaming up for the Read to Reef Book Club<\/a> for Baltimore City elementary school children for October 2025.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

After they read five books about the ocean, ocean conservation, or the aquatic world, families can use the bookmark\u2019s code to claim free Aquarium admission for up to four guests. The bookmark can be redeemed for admission through Jan. 19, 2026.<\/p>\n

The library and aquarium staff and educators collaborated to create a booklist designed to encourage readers<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Some of the books include \u201cThe Earth and I\u201d by Frank Asch, \u201cRachel Carson\u2019s Wonder-Filled World\u201d by Kate Hannigan, \u201cOn an Ocean Journey: Animals in Motion Through the Seas\u201d by Elizabeth Shreeve, and \u201cThe Last Straw: Kids vs. Plastics\u201d by Susan Hood.<\/p>\n

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<\/a> around the city.<\/p>\n

\u201cRead to Reef isn\u2019t just about reading or visiting the Aquarium,\u201d said Sarah Doccolo, community programs manager at the National Aquarium. \u201cThis 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cRead to Reef is a perfect example of Baltimore partnerships in action,\u201d said Chad Helton, president and CEO of the Enoch Pratt Free Library. \u201cIt 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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