New York library systems to give away 15,000 books for kids, teens

The Brooklyn Public Library, New York Public Library and Queens Public Library systems are giving away 15,000 children’s and teens’ books later this month for families to keep. 

The giveaway is part of the library systems’ annual summer reading and learning programs, which encourage children and teens to read books to develop and maintain critical thinking skills over the summer. Books will be available in English and Spanish, and in some locations, in Chinese as well.

The program is being supported by the New York Life Foundation. “Summer Reading programs promote children’s literacy and academic skills and help prevent learning loss during the summer months. This is especially important for low-income families that have limited access to affordable and quality summer programs,” said Marlyn Torres, the foundation’s senior program officer. 

In Brooklyn, the giveaways will take place on Friday, July 28, from noon to 3 p.m. at four locations: the Kensington Library, 4207 18th Ave.; the Crown Heights Library, 560 New York Ave.; the Saratoga Library, 112 Howard Ave.; and the Park Slope library, 431 Sixth Ave. 

“We are grateful to the New York Life Foundation for their continued and generous support of New York City’s young readers,” said Linda Johnson, president and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library. “Summer is the perfect time to escape with a good book, and reading at home prepares children for a successful school year.”

Children who have books in their homes and are read to by parents and caregivers are more likely to succeed in school, according to spokespersons for the library systems. However, children in low-income households are less likely to have age-appropriate books at home or adults who support early literacy through reading.