Brooklyn Public Library's 8th Annual Summer Reading Kickoff

Brooklyn Public Library’s 8th Annual Summer Reading kick-off event is a FREE block party celebration for families on the plaza of the Central Library.

The theme of this year's Summer Reading program is
“Dream Big” and aims to keep the minds of kids and teens active while school is not in session by offering them book lists and activities throughout the summer. Live entertainment and activities for children and adults will occur throughout the day.

The schedule includes:

10:30 am - CarnegieKids Presents The Itty Biddies
The rocking Itty Biddies combo will lift you out of your seats from the first note. Their soaring vocals, sweet ukulele, melodic piano, groovy bass, and fat drums take the audience on a journey of the imagination through storytelling and song. Kids and adults will be invited to bring to life a magic suitcase as they head to Africa for a safari, travel by boat beneath the stars, and explore New York City by way of our beloved subway. The Itty Biddies’ cabaret-pop music will have you singing and dancing all the way home.

11:30 am – Press Conference BPL’s Executive Director and Elected Local Officials will be in attendance to kick-off the Summer Reading program and will also be on-hand for interviews.

12:30 pm – Wildlife Theater - Polar Opposites Antarctica and the Arctic Circle are two sides of the world that look and feel the same. However, very different types of animals call these icy lands home. Students explore the similarities and differences through two shows, "Polar Bear and the Beat" and "A Penguin State of Mind."

1:30 pm – Magic of Amore Feel the excitement as you witness colorful handkerchiefs turn to magic canes and objects materialize out of thin air. Visual magic combines with the encouragement of reading in this electrifying show. Never seen before illusions and audience participation make this a show you and your patrons will long remember. 

2:30–3:30 pm - ZUMBATOMIC Zumba is a perfect combination of fun & fitness! Everyone will be exposed to international rhythms and learn different dance moves.

12:00–3:30 pm – Other Activities Face Painting and Balloon Sculptures