The Brooklyn Public Library celebrates its 125th anniversary this summer and kicked off the months-long celebration with a party outside the main entrance on Saturday.

The party was the start of the Summer of Reading, during which the library will provide free books to kids all summer long.

The intent is to promote reading and a love of learning.

"Free books, books, and more books. It is so important because we really want to encourage the kids to love reading and to love learning. Because if you can read, you can learn anything. You can grow and you can go anywhere," said Sheneatha Frison, School Outreach Librarian.

The library staff says they will be celebrating through August with special events and activities.