Adult Summer Reading

Summer at the Library isn’t just for kids! Adult readers can join in on the fun at exciting events and activities across Brooklyn, all summer long.

What’s Your Story?

Our 2026 theme invites you to connect with community and to share your story at the Library. Stop in at our branches to participate in this year’s Summer at the Library activities.

Looking for your next great summer read? Explore this booklist selected by our adult librarians! For even more inspiration, fill out a BookMatch form and a librarian will create a custom reading list just for you.

Activities and Events Near You

Check out this page for a complete listing of events happening at branches near you! Join us for book clubs, writing workshops, bookbinding, zine-making, shared read-alouds, gardening, and more.

Sips & Scholars Series with the Brooklyn Institute of Social Research

Class is in session this summer! We’re partnering with the Brooklyn Institute of Social Research to offer the second annual Sips & Scholars series. Join us for seven free lectures exploring topics like psychoanalysis, ancient music theory, and architecture at bars, cafes, and parks all over Brooklyn.

Closing Festival

We’re taking over Central Library on August 29 for a special Summer at the Library closing festival! Join us on the Plaza (weather permitting) for fun, free activities for adults. We’ll have blackout poetry, carnival games, small crafts, a book exchange, and more.

Inside, explore a wide range of hands-on activities! Some of our featured events include:

Bookbinding Workshop

Silent Reading Party

Linocut and Block Printing Station

Drop-in Crafting

Bingo

Start the evening in the Dweck Center for a vinyl listening party, bookish mingling and more. Then, join us in the Dweck Auditorium for a special panel exploring Brooklyn summers across literature and film.

Take a Reading Challenge, Win Bookish Prizes

We challenge you to read for 24 hours this summer. That’s right, rack up your reading hours all summer long to complete one full day of reading! Whether you take it slow and accumulate a few hours each week or blast through a reading marathon, it’s up to you.

Pick up a booklet at your local library. Track your reading progress in the booklet as you go! Simply color in a book spine for every hour you read.

Return your finished booklet to any Brooklyn Public Library branch and show off your colorful shelf to a staff member. You’ll be entered into a raffle for the chance to win fun prizes from bookish local businesses and institutions, including giveaway books, gift cards, special memberships and more!

Don’t forget to complete the summer reading crossword and check your answers here: Crossword Answers.