Read to Reef
Baltimore-area students in fifth grade or younger with a Pratt Library card can earn free admission to the Aquarium by joining the Read to Reef Book Club, a reading program in partnership with the National Aquarium.
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
-
Read to Reef season is back and we're celebrating at the Roland Park branch with making scrapbooks of all things ocean!…March 3, 3 PM -
-
Celebrate Read to Reef month by painting your own ocean, river, lake, or pond scene! Include your favorite aquatic animals…March 11, 3:30 PM -
Let's go jellyfishing! Come to the Herring Run branch to make your own paper jellyfish.March 12, 3 PM
Browse the Catalog
Browse available materials in the Pratt Library catalog.
Young Children
Find library books, early learning activities, and learning resources just for for children up to age five.
Kids
Make crafts, get homework help, and find materials just for kids ages 6 through 12.