Have FUN this summer with books, activities, and virtual programs from Brooklyn Public Library!
This Saturday, June 5 is the official launch of Summer Reading in Brooklyn! You can find fun virtual and in-person programs throughout the summer to help you get excited about reading what you love in a favorite spot at the beach, park or cozied up at home. And to help you carry your books home from the library this summer, Brooklyn Public Library is giving away colorful tote bags to toddlers and babies, kids and teens! We will also have some free book giveaways!
Rachel Payne, Coordinator, Early Childhood Services at Brooklyn Public Library, and Children's Librarian Jess Harwick get ready for Summer Reading.
Kick off your summer reading by attending a fun Summer Reading Kickoff branch program (continuing throughout the month of June), pick up a Grab & Go craft kit, or attend a branch hosting an upcoming outdoor event like New Lots, Central Library or Brooklyn Heights and more!
And don't forget to stop by your local branch to pick up a free tote bag with Summer Reading activities!
"Read What You Love, Love What You Read" With Personalized Book Recommendations
For the first time ever, children can receive free book recommendation lists from our expert children's librarians in BKLYN BookMatch! Complete a short form and a BPL librarian will create a custom list of five titles for you! After completing the form, you can expect a response within approximately two weeks.
"We're asking kids to tell us what they like, what they don't like, what makes them curious, and what they like to learn about, and a librarian will pick out books just for them!"
BPL Children's Librarian Jess Harwick
Summer Reading at Beanstack!
You can also sign up a child for Summer Reading at Beanstack for activity suggestions all summer long and to keep track of all the minutes they spend reading this summer.
Summer Reading Booklists & Activities
And check out these pre-made booklist suggestions for your favorite genres and formats like Fantasy, Chills and Thrills, graphic novels, funny books, Spanish language booklists and more. Most books on the lists are available in digital formats such as eBooks or eAudio books. You can find online versions of activities like coloring sheets, a fortune teller and our school age activity packet here.
Summer is the time to read what you love – and love what you read!
Upcoming Events
Summer Reading Kickoff: Tie Dye Shirts!
Celebrate SUMMER KICKOFF with us by doing some tie dye! Shirts and dye provided.
All ages welcome.
Adults required to accompany children.
DIY Laminated Bookmark - Summer at the Library
Join us at the Gerritsen Beach Library to celebrate our Summer at the Library Kickoff-- What's Your Story?
You'll have the opportunity to color, decorate, and make your own custom bookmark, and watch it be laminated.
We'll provide all the supplies-- including a finishing tassel!
…
Summer Reading Kickoff: Tie Dye Shirts!
Celebrate SUMMER KICKOFF with us by doing some tie dye! Shirts and dye provided.
All ages welcome.
Adults required to accompany children.
Summer at Clarendon Library Kickoff AND World Cup 2026 Watch Event
Come to Clarendon Library for two events in one! Celebrate the start of Summer Reading with a drumming and dancing performance by La Troupe Zetwal, crafts, and the start of the FIFA World Cup with Mexico v South Africa at 3pm.
All ages welcome!
Summer Reading Kickoff!
Brian Barrentine and Funikijam! Barrentine performs original rhymes, chants, songs and stories with indigenous music from around the world.
Summer Reading Kickoff with the Williamsburgh Library
What’s Your Story?
Join us at Williamsburgh Library for our Summer at the Library Kickoff celebration for booklists, a beautiful Reading Tracker to stay on top of your reading this summer, and book giveaways. We also have storytimes, events, and activities all summer long for all ages and…
Saratoga's Summer at the Library Kickoff Party!
Come to Saratoga to kick off your Summer at the Library!
Join us in our garden for:
Facepainting 3-5pmJuggling 101 3-3:45pmn(for kids 5-12yrs)Quiet Sensory Room (downstairs meeting room)Games and activitiesGiveaways!
Summer Reading Kickoff: Tie Dye Shirts!
Celebrate SUMMER KICKOFF with us by doing some tie dye! Shirts and dye provided.
All ages welcome.
Adults required to accompany children.
Juggling 101 at Saratoga's Summer at the Library Kickoff!
Join us at Saratoga Library's Summer at the Library Kickoff party:
Want to learn a new skill? Juggling is perfect! Join us to learn what can be juggled – from
fruit to scarves to socks.
Then we’ll go through the basics so everyone will be on their way to becoming a circus…
Summer Reading Kickoff 2026 - Magic Alive!
This interactive magic program, led by family favorite magician Razzle Dazzle, has every jaw-dropping magic trick in the book, and includes a comedic twist! Part magic show, that has families working to create the magic by clapping, laughing, and…
This blog post reflects the opinions of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of Brooklyn Public Library.
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