Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710
FAX (215) 567-7850
Contact: Communications and Development
Summer of Wonder Kicks Off at the Free Library
PHILADELPHIA, May 25, 2021—The Free Library of Philadelphia is welcoming a new season of reading, kicking off its annual Summer of Wonder on Monday, June 1, launching a virtual summer reading experience. This year, Summer of Wonder will take place online from June 1 to August 31.
Each year, the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Summer of Wonder program encourages students to continue reading and learning throughout the summer. Just 20 minutes of reading each day can prevent learning loss while students are out of school, known as the “summer slide,” when children can lose two to three months of reading and math skills.
“Each summer, we encourage Philadelphians of all ages to join in reading and learning activities. Whether students have been learning virtually or in person over the past year, it is especially vital this summer for students to stay engaged and ready to start the next school year by combatting learning loss,” said Leslie M. Walker, Interim Director of the Free Library of Philadelphia.
This flagship Free Library program supports literacy in Philadelphia by encouraging more than 35,000 children, teens, and adults to read and participate in library programming during the summer months. Children, teens, and adults can sign up online (freelibrary.beanstack.org) to collect points and earn badges for Summer of Wonder activities and time spent reading.
Information on summer reading programs is also available at the many neighborhood libraries that are open for in-person services. Visit freelibrary.org/locations to find what services are available at neighborhood libraries.
Summer of Wonder and Science in the Summer will be hosting virtual events throughout the summer. Neighborhood libraries will also be adding outdoor events and story times throughout the summer. A full list of library events is available at freelibrary.org/calendar.
Summer of Wonder is made possible by generous support secured through the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation from BB&T (now Truist), Comcast NBCUniversal, Kline & Specter, Osage Partners, Philadelphia City Institute Board of Managers, Reliance Standard, and William Penn Foundation.
For more information on summer programs with the Free Library visit freelibrary.org/summerreading or you can ask a librarian your quick, simple questions using your cell phone! Send your text to 66746 and start the body of the text with keyword askfree then a space, followed by your question. You can also request information on summer reading or any other Free Library programs by calling 1-888-TALK-FLP (8255-357).
05/25/2021
Department of External Affairs, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710, FAX (215) 567-7850