Team up with the Library this summer and challenge yourself or your family to #Read20 minutes a day and fight ‘summer slide’!

When you engage your brain every day for 20 minutes by reading, your brain stays strong and active. ‘Summer slide’ happens when kids are out of school for summer break and we forget to keep their brains as engaged - it can mean months of math and reading skills lost.

By reading just 20 minutes a day with your family, you can keep kids on track for the next grade level. And by reading 20 minutes a day on your own, you can keep your brain sharp long after your schooling years.

So this summer, encourage others and show your passion for learning and reading by posting on Twitter or Facebook with the hashtag #Read20 and our handle, @nypl. Tell us what you’re reading, when you’re reading, who you’re reading with, or how you’re fighting ‘summer slide’ and learning with your family! We’ll also be sharing reading lists, events, tips, photos, and more using #Read20, so search around to join the conversation.

Join the Fun at Your Local Branch

While anyone can take on this challenge, kids and teens are encouraged to visit their local library branches to grab a calendar so they can mark their 20 minutes every day and receive prizes such as flash drives, headphones, bags, pencils, and wallets for reading 20 minutes a day, attending library programs, or checking out books. Children who complete the challenge will be able to attend their branch’s Summer Reading celebrations in August.

Kids ages 6 to 18 years old can also enter a book review writing contest open through August 1 and win a trip to a Yankees game! Winners will see a game, meet a player, and take a bow on the field at Yankee Stadium on August 17. Learn more here.

Find the Perfect Book

Reading is always more fun when you have the perfect book. We put together Summer Reading book lists for everyone from toddlers to adults. Find your next favorite book here.

Combat 'Summer Slide' With Mommy Poppins

50+ Ways to Keep NYC Kids Off Screens This Summer

New Kid Books: Top Picks from Picture Books to Teen Novels

DIY Kid-Lit Camp: Summer Fun Inspired by Children’s Books

Be sure to follow NYPL on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to see a few of our favorite #Read20 photos!