Read to Reef

How to Participate

During the month of March 2025, 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. Readers have until June 15, 2025, to complete their reading and visit 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 (En español). You can pick up library books in person, or browse eBooks in our Digital Library.

Reserve Your Tickets

Once you have read and logged five books, you can reserve up to four admission tickets to the National Aquarium.

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 four tickets of admission. Children four years old and younger do not require tickets, and if you do not use all four tickets in your transaction they are forfeited and cannot be used on a separate day.

Bookmarks are subject to availability while supplies last and expire on June 15, 2025.

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.

Read to Reef Events