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Location Closure The Forest Park Branch is closed for renovations. The Washington Village Branch is closed for facility maintenance. The Walbrook Branch is closed for HVAC repairs.

What is Summer Break Baltimore?

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

When does it begin and end?

Summer Break Baltimore takes place June 1, 2024 through August 31, 2024 with a fun kickoff event at branches across the city on June 1.

How does it work?

Stop by your nearest Pratt Library location to register for Summer Break Baltimore. Receive a Summer Break Baltimore t-shirt when you register, while supplies and sizes last. You can also register online, just remember to stop by a Pratt Library branch to collect your t-shirt and book(s).

Visit the library every month in June, July, and August to pick up your free book. Books must be collected within their respective months (June book in June; July book in July; August book in August).

Read books and attend library programs to be entered into monthly prize drawings for gift cards, tickets to local experiences, prize packs, and more. Stop by your nearest Pratt Library location to redeem your raffle tickets each time you read a book or attend a program. You must be registered for Summer Break Baltimore to win a prize.

1 book read = 1 entry into the monthly prize drawings

1 program attended = 1 entry into the monthly prize drawings

Do I need to be a Baltimore City resident to participate?

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

Where do I sign up?

Customers can sign up at any Library location. You can also register online, just remember to stop by a Pratt Library branch to collect your t-shirt and book(s).

Do I need to have a library card?

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

If I have outstanding library fees can I still participate?

Yes!

Does a child have to be present with a parent for the parent/guardian to pick up their incentives?

No, but the parent or guardian does have to provide information to register each child for the program.

Can I choose what book I get each month?

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

How many activities do I have to do?

As many or as few as you like. Just attend a program and/or visit your local branch and tell a staff member how many books you read. You will receive a raffle ticket for each activity you completed. Place your tickets in the running for whichever prizes you like—the more activities you complete, the more entries you get!

Can I enter the prize drawings online?

This summer, there will be no online prize drawings. We encourage you to visit your local library to track your activities and enter into the prize drawings.

How do prize drawings work?

Read books and attend library programs to be entered into monthly prize drawings for gift cards, tickets to local experiences, prize packs, and more. Stop by your nearest Pratt Library location to redeem your raffle tickets each time you read a book or attend a program.

There will be no online prize drawings, and customers must come into the library to claim and enter their physical tickets into the drawings.

1 book read = 1 entry into the monthly prize drawings

1 program attended = 1 entry into the monthly prize drawings

There are four prize drawings at each branch per month. The prizes we offer are based on our four age groups (0-5, 6-12, 13-17, and 18+), but customers are not limited to prizes intended for their age group (e.g. if you are a 16 year old, but want to enter into a 0-5 year old prize raffle for your cousin, you can do that!).

You must be registered for Summer Break Baltimore to win a prize.

When are the prize drawings?

Drawings will take place at the branches monthly on Monday July 1, Thursday, August 1, and Tuesday, September 3.

What books are you offering this summer?

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.

How do I select the book I want each month?

Visit your local branch and choose from the titles available. Ask your librarian for help if you can’t choose!

What happens if my branch runs out of a specific book title I want?

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.

Can groups participate?

Groups of 4 participants or less can register at their closest Pratt Library location. Groups of 5 participants or more must register online. Check back for more information.

Summer Break Baltimore
More Information
SBB 2024

Summer Break Baltimore


Get free books for your home library, join us for fun events, and enter into a weekly prize drawing with Summer Break Baltimore, June 1 through August 31!

Locations
More Information
Enoch Pratt Free Library - entrance arch at the Central Library

Locations


Visit a Pratt Library location in person to browse the collection, use a public computer, and more.