The Library is here for you! Find your nearest branch in the Bronx, Manhattan, or Staten Island and, starting Monday, July 12, come by to pick up your free summer book kit—while supplies last! Availability is limited to one kit per child.

The New York Public Library’s free summer book kits have been specially prepared for kids and teens of all ages:

  • Babies and Toddlers (Early Literacy)
    Includes a special NYPL tote bag containing NYPL’s ABC Read with Me in NYC board book, and an early literacy tip sheet for caregivers. 
  • Pre-K through 1st Grade
    Includes a red drawstring bag containing two free books to take home and keep, NYPL’s Summer Learning 2021 welcome kit, and the NYPL After School Activity Guide for Grades K–3 (28 pages, English/Español).
  • 2nd and 3rd Grade
    Includes a red drawstring bag containing two free books to take home and keep, NYPL’s Summer Learning 2021 welcome kit, and the NYPL After School Activity Guide for Grades K–3 (28 pages, English/Español).
  • 4th and 5th Grade
    Includes a red drawstring bag containing one free book to take home and keep, NYPL’s Summer Learning 2021 welcome kit, and the NYPL After School Activity Guide for Grades 4–6 (16 pages).
  • Middle School
    Includes a red drawstring bag containing one free book to take home and keep, a special NYPL bookmark, one pot of Play-Doh, and a stress ball.
  • High School
    Includes a red drawstring bag containing one free book to take home and keep, a special NYPL bookmark, one pot of Play-Doh, and a stress ball.

You can also download Summer Learning 2021 materials, including our activity and reading tracker, in English, Español (Spanish), 中文 (Chinese), বাংলা (Bengali), and Русский (Russian) now. Plus, discover books in accessible formats for kids, titles in Español (Spanish), and more ways to get involved at the Library this summer!

  • Essential Updates

    Stay up to date with everything the Library offers kids of all ages with NYPL Kids, our biweekly email newsletter, direct to your inbox!

    Learn More

  • Enjoy Free Events at the Library

    The Library offers free programs all year round across its 92 locations, in person, outdoors, and online. From author talks and performances to book discussions and exhibitions, you can meet a favorite author, hear a live concert, or find something new at NYPL—all for free.

    Learn More

  • Get a Library Card

    You don’t need a library card to pick up your free summer book kit, but now’s a great time to get started and start exploring everything the Library offers, including resources for kids and teens, computer access, and fine-free borrowing for books and e-books!

    Learn More

Thank You

Major support provided by the New York Life Foundation, the 2021 city-wide sponsor for the Summer Reading and Learning Programs.

Additional support is provided by HSBC Bank USA; The Rona Jaffe Foundation; WarnerMedia; New York Yankees Foundation; The Walt Disney Company; anonymous donors; and the continuing major support of the Andreas C. Dracopoulos Family Endowment for Young Audiences. © 2021 Sesame Workshop. All Rights Reserved. 

Major support for educational programming is provided by Merryl H. and James S. Tisch.

Illustrations from You Matter and Another © Christian Robinson. Used by permission of Simon & Schuster, Inc. Illustrations from Last Stop on Market Street © Christian Robinson. Used by permission of Penguin Random House LLC.

Special thanks to illustrator Christian Robinson for permission to feature artwork from You Matter (named one of NYPL’s 2020 Best Books for Kids!), Another, and Last Stop on Market Street. Learn more: theartoffun.com

Corporate logos for New York Life Foundation, HSBC Bank USA, WarnerMedia, Sesame Workshop, New York Yankees Foundation, and Summer Reading at New York Libraries