The Read for Adventure program seeks to offer families fun and exploration – at no cost. The community program was created to promote literacy within families, increase engagement with the outdoors and provide an outlet for invaluable, nature-inspired discoveries. After a successful pilot program with Metropolitan Library System, “Read for Adventure” went statewide last year, reaching all 247 public libraries in Oklahoma and resulting in 4,443 vouchers being redeemed for admission to the OKC Zoo.

“We know that literacy is fundamental to understanding the world around us and that understanding is the critical first step toward creating positive change for the future,” said Dwight Lawson, executive director of the Oklahoma City Zoo. “As a conservation organization, the OKC Zoo is dedicated to preserving wildlife and wild places for current and future generations.”

To participate in the program, visit your local public library and check out the original children’s book, “Our Day at the Zoo.” When you return the book to the library, your family will receive a voucher granting up to four guests free admission to the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden.

“Our Day at the Zoo”, was written by Kristin Williamson and illustrated by Rick George, both metro library staff members. Story concepts stemmed from a field trip to the OKC Zoo by Positive Tomorrows, a school for students experiencing homelessness. The children toured the zoo and talked about the animals they saw and what they were doing. A theme evolved from their conversations: If I were a zoo animal, this is what I would do!

Read for Adventure begins May 1, 2019, and continues through March 31, 2020. Zoo ticket vouchers are valid through March 31, 2020.