Read to Reef Book Club Has Returned to Baltimore
Local families with children in fifth grade or younger can earn free National Aquarium admission by reading five books.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Aquariums
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The National Aquarium and Enoch Pratt Free Library have officially launched the fall 2026 Read to Reef program. Families with children in fifth grade and younger can qualify for free admission for up to six guests after completing a five-book reading goal.
Why it matters
This long-standing partnership encourages Baltimore students to explore aquatic conservation through literature while providing a budget-friendly way for families to visit the citys premier aquarium. The initiative helps bridge the gap between classroom literacy and hands-on environmental education.
Since 2016, 27,000 students have participated in the program, reading over 134,000 books in total. Qualifying families must redeem their completed bookmarks online to secure free entry for up to six guests before the January 18, 2027 deadline.
The players
National Aquarium
A major Baltimore-based marine conservation institution that provides public educational programming.
Enoch Pratt Free Library
The public library system serving Baltimore residents that facilitates community-wide literacy initiatives.
The details
To participate, families visit an Enoch Pratt Free Library branch to collect a program bookmark. After the student reads five books, the family enters the completed bookmark information through the official online portal to schedule their visit. This digital redemption process generates the necessary pass for up to six guests to enter the National Aquarium.
Timeline
The Read to Reef program first began in 2016.
Program bookmarks became available at library branches on October 1, 2026.
The deadline to reserve free aquarium visits is January 18, 2027.
The Home Front
This program reflects a broader trend of cultural institutions integrating with local library systems to promote accessibility to education. It marks a continued effort by Baltimore organizations to leverage shared community resources to reduce the cost burden for local households.
Check your local Enoch Pratt Free Library branch to secure a program bookmark if your child is in fifth grade or younger. Once the five-book goal is met, be sure to complete the online redemption process promptly to ensure your group can secure a spot at the aquarium before the January deadline.
The takeaway
This initiative provides a low-cost, high-engagement way for Baltimore families to access the aquarium while encouraging students to build a consistent reading habit. Keep a record of the five books read and ensure the bookmark is redeemed online to claim the admission for up to six guests.
What happens next
Participants must complete their reading and redeem bookmarks online no later than January 18, 2027, to secure their free visit.
Further reading
Find more local resources for family outings in our Aquariums section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Baltimore Times.
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