Youth Summer Reading 2025
This summer, the Boston Public Library invites youth ages 0–17 to take part in BPL Bingo, a fun and interactive way to stay engaged with reading and learning during the school break. With specially designed bingo cards, one for children and one for teens, participants can complete reading challenges and activities tailored to their age group.
Summer Reading for all ages takes place June 1 through August 31! Pick up a bingo card in person at any BPL location or download one online. The available cards include Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole.
Participants may visit any BPL location to receive a Summer Reading tote bag, while supplies last.* Once you complete bingo, you may visit any BPL location to receive a Summer Reading sticker, while supplies last.
* BPL Summer Reading tote bags are on their way! When you visit any BPL location and pick up a bingo card, staff will take down your name and email address. We'll notify you when your bag is ready for pick-up!
This summer's theme is "Color our World." All 26 Boston Public Library locations will offer an exciting schedule of engaging programs for youth of all ages. Check out the events in the links above to find out what's happening at your branch. Our partners this year include: the Poop Museum, Professor Bugman, DJ Tony Hamoui, artists Cathy G. Johnson and Adam Kane, and many more!
This summer, we’re also offering a recommended reading list curated in collaboration with Boston Public Schools, along with a wide range of fun and educational programs running throughout the season.
Summer reading isn’t just fun, it’s essential! When children and teens continue to read over the summer, they maintain and even improve the skills they gained during the school year. Without regular reading, students risk experiencing “summer slide,” a decline in literacy and academic achievement during the break.
The BPL Summer Reading Program encourages youth to explore books that interest them, take on creative challenges, and participate in learning opportunities, all of which help build vocabulary, improve comprehension, and foster a lifelong love of reading.
By making reading a part of their summer, children return to school better prepared and more confident. And with BPL Bingo, it’s easier than ever for the whole family to get involved and make reading a shared experience.
2025 Summer Reading Booklists
Summer Reading List 2025 For Kindergartners: Color Our World
2025 Summer Reading Recommendations Grades 1-3
Summer Reading List for Grades 9 - 12
Summer Reading at the BPL is generously supported by the Boston Public Library Fund. To learn more, please visit the Fund's website.
