Summer Break Baltimore FAQ

Summer Break Baltimore is a fun, free program for all ages that encourages literacy and learning in our community.

Summer Break Baltimore takes place June 15, 2026 through August 15, 2026. 

Beginning June 15, stop by your nearest Pratt Library location to register for Summer Break Baltimore and receive a new book to add to your home library! You can also register online, just remember to stop by a Pratt Library branch to collect your free book.

Once registered, you can complete BINGO activities using a paper card or on Beanstack.  

Attend library programs, discover new books and explore Pratt Library resources to check boxes on your BINGO card. Once you've completed four activities in a row (across, up-and-down, or diagonally), visit your local library to receive your limited edition 2026 Summer Break Baltimore t-shirt or alternative prize, while supplies last. You’ll also be automatically entered into our Summer Break Baltimore raffle for tickets and memberships to local attractions. One lucky grand prize winner will win a Nintendo Switch 2! You must be registered for Summer Break Baltimore with an email address or phone number to win a prize.

Summer Break Baltimore is an all-ages program! We have BINGO cards for early learners (ages 0–5), kids ages 6–11, teens ages 12–17, and adults ages 18 and up.  

Beanstack is a free mobile app and website you can use to sign up for Summer Break Baltimore and track your completed BINGO activities.  

Summer Break Baltimore is open to all, but is intended for Baltimore City residents and Pratt Library customers.

No, but it's a great opportunity to sign up for one!

Beginning on June 15, customers can sign up at any Library location. You can also register online beginning on June 15, just remember to stop by a Pratt Library branch to collect your free book.

Your donations keep Summer Break Baltimore and other Library programs free and accessible for everyone in our community! More information about giving is available online at prattlibrary.org/summer.

Yes!

No, but we recommend a parent or guardian be present at registration for any child under the age of 13.

Yes! You will have a chance to choose your book from the available selection.

This summer, we are not offering book menus, but we are still offering a great selection of titles for each age group. Head in to your local branch to see what’s available. Specific titles are not guaranteed and are first come, first served.

Books are first-come, first-served. If we are out of a specific title there is a chance you may be able to find the book at another branch location, but we cannot guarantee availability for any one title

Once you complete four activities in a row and win BINGO, bring your completed paper board or show your Beanstack completion at your local library to receive your 2026 Summer Break Baltimore t-shirt or alternate completion prize. All t-shirts and sizes are first-come, first-served, while supplies last.  
 

You only have to register to receive one free book of your choice and your BINGO board. Then, complete as many or as few BINGO activities as you like! Completing four activities in a row (across, up-and-down, or diagonal) will unlock your completion prize (Summer Break Baltimore 2026 t-shirt or alternate prize) and one raffle entry. Complete more activities for more chances to win raffle prizes—a full card BINGO is worth five raffle entries!

Prize drawings will take place the week of August 17, 2026. Winners will be contacted as soon as possible to coordinate pickup at their local branch.

Yes! Groups of 4 participants or less can register at their closest Pratt Library location. Groups of 5 participants or more from the same organization must fill out our Group Services Form after 6/1. Visit the Summer Break Group Participation page to learn more.