As part of the libraries’ annual summer reading and learning programs, which encourage children and teens to read books to develop and maintain critical thinking skills over the summer, NYC’s three library systems are giving away 15,000 FREE books for families to keep!
“Summer Reading programs promote children’s literacy and academic skills and help prevent learning loss during the summer months. This is especially important for low-income families that have limited access to affordable and quality summer programs,” said Marlyn Torres, senior program officer, New York Life Foundation.
“With a goal of combating summer learning loss in children who are at the greatest risk of experiencing the “summer slide,” the libraries’ annual summer reading and learning programs help young people stay excited and engaged in learning so they can begin the school year in September on-track and better prepared to learn,” Torres added.
Books for children and teens will be available at select branches while supplies last on Friday, July 28 and Saturday, July 29. Books will be available in English and Spanish, as well as Chinese in select locations.
The initiative builds on the Libraries’ efforts to support New Yorkers in need and includes locations near Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers (HERRC) or shelters.
To get your hands on some free books simply show up to any of the participating NYPL branches and show your library card (or sign up for one if you don’t yet have one and reap other benefits like getting into select museums for free).
Participating locations include:
Brooklyn Public Library (Friday July 28, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.)
- Kensington Library – 4207 18th Ave.
- Crown Heights Library – 560 New York Ave.
- Saratoga Library at Saratoga Park – 112 Howard Ave.
- Park Slope Library – 431 6th Ave.
- East Flatbush Library – 9612 Church Ave. (Saturday July 29, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.)
- McKinley Park Library – 6802 Fort Hamilton Library (Saturday July 29, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.)
The New York Public Library (Friday and Saturday July 28 and 29, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.)
- 53rd Street Library – 18 W 53rd St.
- Columbus Library – 742 10th Ave.
- Epiphany Library – 228 E 23rd St.
- Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library – 455 5th Ave.
- Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library – 2550 Victory Blvd.
- Bronx Library Center – 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd.
- Sedgwick Library – 1701 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.
- Wakefield Library – 4100 Lowerre Pl.
Queens Public Library (Friday July 28, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.)
- Arverne Library – 312 Beach 54 St.
- Central Library – 89-11 Merrick Blvd.
- Corona Library – 38-23 104 St.
- Flushing Library – 41-17 Main St.
“We know that growing up reading and with access to books has a powerful impact on an individual’s future success, and we are excited to help families build their own libraries at home,” said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott.
A full list of fun summer programming at the library can be found here.