Read to Reef

How to Participate

During Read to Reef, Baltimore City children in fifth grade and younger can visit any Pratt location and show their library card to get a Read to Reef bookmark. Borrow, read, or listen to someone read any five aquatic- or conservation-themed books and record them on your Read to Reef bookmark or on Beanstack to earn up to four free admission tickets to the National Aquarium.

During the month of March 2026, Baltimore City children in fifth grade and younger can visit any Pratt location and show their library card to get a Read to Reef bookmark, while supplies last. Once the reading log has been completed, participants can go online to request six free admission tickets to the National Aquarium.

Borrow, read, or listen to someone read any five aquatic- or conservation-themed books and record them on your Read to Reef bookmark. You can also register and track your progress online with Beanstack.

Need ideas to get started? Check out a PDF list of recommended Read to Reef books. You can pick up library books at your local library, or browse eBooks in our online catalog.

Reserve Your Tickets

Once you have read and logged five books, you can reserve up to six admission tickets to the National Aquarium. Guests of all ages (including four and under) will need a ticket for admission.

Reserve your tickets at aqua.org/read-tickets, or learn more about Read to Reef and other community programs at aqua.org/read. All guests must reserve their visit date and entry time in advance online using the reservation portal.

To reserve your timed entry slot, use the code printed on the bottom of your Read to Reef bookmark. This code can only be used once to redeem six tickets of admission. Tickets will be delivered digitally, though participants can visit the Information Desk after entering the aquarium to collect a certificate and sticker. 

If you do not use all six tickets in your transaction they are forfeited and cannot be used on a separate day.

For more specifics and details, see the Aquarium website.

Please note that Read to Reef bookmarks and corresponding National Aquarium tickets are intended only for Baltimore City students in fifth grade or younger. If you're in possession of a Read to Reef bookmark and can't use it, please give it to a young reader in your life.