Supported by the New York Life Foundation, “Summer at the Library” offers readers of all ages books, programs, activities, and giveaways throughout the summer
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June 9, 2025—Today, Brooklyn Public Library, The New York Public Library, and Queens Public Library launched Summer at the Library. The annual campaign—which includes programs and reading recommendations for kids, teens and adults—is designed to encourage New Yorkers to read all year long. The New York Life Foundation is the city-wide sponsor for library Summer Reading and Learning Programs.
At the Sunset Park Library in Brooklyn, Brooklyn Public Library Chief Librarian Edwin Maxwell, The New York Public Library Chief Librarian Brian Bannon, and Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott talked about the importance of providing free access to books and the special joy children experience choosing what they would like to read during the summer.
New York City Public Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels was a special guest at the event, emphasizing the important role libraries play for students during the school year and all summer long.
Third grade students also participated in the kick-off event, which included crafts and activities. Each participant went home with free books and a grab-and-go art kit.
“We thank the New York Life Foundation for their generous support of summer reading and learning programs in Brooklyn and all across the city,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO, Brooklyn Public Library. “When school is out, you can visit your neighborhood library to attend a program, meet new friends, see a live performance, or get lost in the pages of a good book.”
“Summer at the Library is an annual ritual enjoyed by thousands of New Yorkers and we want this summer of reading to be bigger and better than ever,” said Anthony W. Marx, President and CEO of The New York Public Library. “Reading is a great way for curious minds of all ages to get informed about the world around us, and this year, as we mark the 250th anniversary of our nation, cheer on the Knicks, and welcome the World Cup, there is tons to learn about and enjoy while reading. I’m proud to partner with the New York Life Foundation, the Brooklyn and Queens public libraries, schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels, and Mayor Mamdani and to encourage reading and open minds for all.”
“This summer promises to be one of the most memorable in New York City’s history, as the nation marks its 250th anniversary, the World Cup comes to town, and the Knicks head to the NBA Finals,” said QPL President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “Through Summer at the Library, our citywide initiative in collaboration with Brooklyn Public Library and The New York Public Library, the public will have the chance to experience all of this excitement and more while exploring new ideas, developing new skills, and staying connected to learning all summer long. We are grateful to the New York Life Foundation for its generous support and to NYC Public Schools for their partnership in helping keep students engaged while school is out.”
Summer at the Library is a fun way for children to combat learning loss—a decline in academic skills that occurs when school is closed for the summer and children lose access to structured educational opportunities. Hundreds of events, programs, and activities will be held across the city’s library systems. All of the events and programs listed below, and more, are free and open to the public.
"The Summer at the Library program is vital and helps kids discover new books, explore new ideas, and stay curious all summer long––and it’s our local libraries that make it possible,” said Speaker Julie Menin. “That's exactly why the Council fought to restore more than $30 million in library funding for the coming fiscal year. These institutions are the heart and soul of our communities, and every New York City family should take advantage of their offerings all year-round."
“Reading is the foundation for all learning and I’m excited for our children to take advantage of this program this summer,” said Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels. “The Summer at the Library program is an excellent resource for New York City families to explore their interests and deepen their love for reading and learning.”
“At the New York Life Foundation, we believe every child deserves access to opportunities that help them learn, grow, and reach their full potential,” said Heather Nesle, President of the New York Life Foundation. “Libraries are trusted community spaces that inspire curiosity, foster a love of reading, and help young people continue learning throughout the summer. We’re proud to support the Tri-Library Summer at the Library program and help ensure children and families have access to enriching experiences, resources, and books that keep them engaged and thriving all season long.”
In addition to the programs listed below, the libraries systems will be hosting World Cup watch parties in branches across the five boroughs. There will also be soccer-themed film series, book lists, and craft parties where fans can create buttons and bandanas, for example, in support of their favorite teams, and much more. Check out World Cup events at NYPL, BPL and QPL.
BROOKLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY
On Saturday June 13th, stop by the New York Life Foundation and NYC Libraries Book Giveaway Weekend at Bay Ridge and Central Libraries (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and Greenpoint Library (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Enjoy book giveaways, crafts and performances.
Programs will continue all summer long including reading with a therapy dog at branches across the borough; garden and nature story times; and author talks and plaza parties for teens and tweens. There will be dance parties and World Cup watch events and much more all summer long.
In addition, BPL’s Teen Tech Centers are open and the Book MatchTeen service (for teens, by teens) can provide personalized recommendations so you can find a great book this summer.
Lead support for Brooklyn Public Library’s Summer Reading 2026 program is provided by the National Grid Foundation. CBS2/WLNY is the official media partner for Brooklyn Public Library’s Summer Reading 2026 program.
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
Highlights of Summer at the Library programming at The New York Public Library include:
- Free programs for kids, including the annual writing contest that asks kids to write about a story that takes place in America, a six-week Summer Adventure program series, and summer reading challenges available in local branches.
- Free programs for teens, including NYPL's annual Anti-Prom events, Teen Lit Night at the Library for the Performing Arts, and 10 Summer Reads with immediate, no-wait access.
- New this year is “Big Summer Book Club” for adults, which invites New Yorkers to read N.K. Jemisin’s epic fantasy The City We Became, in addition to book clubs and reading parties, physical book giveaways, art and writing workshops, and a Summer Reading Challenge with free swag for participants while supplies last. The Big Summer Book Club will conclude with a celebration at The Public Theater's Delacorte Theater in Central Park on August 17!
Discover the full line-up of events on https://www.nypl.org/summer/2026, and apply for an NYPL library card at https://www.nypl.org/help/library-card.
QUEENS PUBLIC LIBRARY
Queens Public Library will kick off its Summer at the Library initiative with the New York Life Foundation and NYC Libraries Book Giveaway events at multiple locations, including Corona Library on Saturday, June 13 (12–2 p.m.), South Hollis Library on Thursday, June 18 (3–5 p.m.), and Far Rockaway Library on Friday, June 26 (3–5 p.m.).
For early learners, QPL will offer Dinosaur Discovery Playdates featuring hands-on activities paired with fun prehistoric facts; the Kick Off to Kindergarten series, which helps 3- and 4-year-olds develop early literacy skills; as well as bilingual storytimes and music and movement programs.
For elementary and middle school students, QPL will provide a variety of STEAM-focused programs, including Middle School Maker Clubs, a hands-on program that blends art, engineering, and environmental thinking as students design and build architectural structures.
For teens, QPL will launch the SciArt Exchange: Build Your Habitat Challenge at select locations, inviting attendees to imagine and design future space communities that support both survival and creativity on the Moon, Mars, or in orbit.
QPL’s annual Summer Reading Challenge for children and teens begins on July 6. Participants will be challenged to read for 20 minutes a day for 20 days for a chance to win a prize.
To explore QPL’s Summer at the Library programming, go here.
Major support provided by the New York Life Foundation, the 2026 city-wide sponsor for Summer Reading and Learning Programs.
About The New York Public Library
For over 125 years, The New York Public Library has been a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With over 90 locations—including research and branch libraries—throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars. The New York Public Library receives approximately 16 million visits through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at www.nypl.org. To offer this wide array of free programming, The New York Public Library relies on both public and private funding. Learn more about how to support the Library at nypl.org/support.
About Queens Public Library
Queens Public Library is one of the largest and busiest public library systems in the United States, dedicated to serving the most ethnically and culturally diverse area in the country. An independent, non-profit organization founded in 1896, Queens Public Library offers free access to a collection of more than 5 million books and other materials in 50 languages, technology, and digital resources. Each year, the Library hosts tens of thousands of online and in-person educational, cultural, and civic programs and welcomes millions of visitors through its doors. With a presence in nearly every neighborhood across the borough of Queens, the Library consists of 66 locations, including branch libraries, a Central Library, seven adult learning centers, a technology lab at the Queensbridge public housing complex, a community learning center at the Ravenswood public housing complex, and five teen centers. It also has five bookmobiles and two book bicycles.
About Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library is one of the nation’s largest library systems and among New York City’s most democratic institutions. As a leader in developing modern 21st century libraries, we provide resources to support personal advancement, foster civic literacy, and strengthen the fabric of community among the more than 2.6 million individuals who call Brooklyn home. We provide nearly 65,000 free programs a year with writers, thinkers, artists, and educators—from around the corner and around the world. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the joy of a good book.
About New York Life Foundation
Inspired by New York Life’s tradition of service and humanity, the New York Life Foundation has, since its founding in 1979, provided over $470 million in charitable contributions to national and local nonprofit organizations. The Foundation supports programs that benefit young people, particularly in the areas of educational enhancement and childhood bereavement. The Foundation also encourages and facilitates the community involvement of employees and agents of New York Life through its Volunteers for Good program and Grief-Sensitive Schools Initiative. To learn more, please visit newyorklifefoundation.org.