Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710
FAX (215) 567-7850
Contact: Communications and Development
Free Library of Philadelphia Announces Events and Activities to Celebrate National Library Week
The Free Library hosts Tariq ‘Black Thought’ Trotter, movie screenings, authors, zoo animals, job search support, a major print fair, and more – April 6-12
PHILADELPHIA– National Library Week, April 6–12, 2025, is a time to celebrate the many ways libraries throughout Philadelphia bring people together, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning.
Libraries are essential to thriving communities, and National Library Week is the ideal time to raise awareness about their value and impact in Philadelphia. From books and digital resources to job assistance and creative programming, libraries are essential.
The Free Library provides unique programs and services like author events, storytimes, LEAP (Literacy Enrichment After-School Program), One Book, One Philadelphia, Summer of Wonder, cooking classes, career services, and so much more! It also offers free Wi-Fi and access to physical and digital collections.
“At the Free Library, everyone can access resources that educate, inspire, and connect. Libraries provide space and opportunities for everyone,” said Kelly Richards, President and Director, the Free Library of Philadelphia. “Whether you're a longtime patron or haven’t visited in a while, now is the perfect time to explore all the library offers. People are drawn to the Free Library because it makes them feel welcome and safe. Libraries serve as hubs for learning, creativity, and connection, helping people of all ages explore new ideas and opportunities. ”
The Free Library of Philadelphia encourages the community to join the celebration! National Library Week events:
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Free For All: The Public Library Movie Screening with WHYY at the Parkway Central Library on Monday, April 7, 2025, 6:30 p.m.
The documentary, Free for All: The Public Library, tells the story of the quiet revolutionaries who made a simple idea happen. From the “Free Library Movement” to today's librarians who serve the public, meet those who created a civic institution where everything is free and the doors are open to all.
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PA CareerLink® Job Search Assistance at the Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, 2:00 p.m.
Meet with a Community Workforce Connector from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for one-on-one job search assistance. Get individualized support with résumé development, career counseling, and professional development workshops.
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The Author Events Series features novelist Katie Kitamura, speaking about her book Audition on Wednesday, April 9, 7:00 p.m. Kitamura, the author of five novels, has been awarded the Rome Prize in Literature and has been longlisted for the National Book Award and PEN/Faulkner Award.
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Animal Tales with the Philadelphia Zoo at the Charles L. Durham Library on Thursday, April 10, 2025, 3:30 p.m.
The Charles L. Durham Library will be hosting the Philadelphia Zoo! Listen to a story read by the librarian. Then, meet an animal from the story and discover and learn more about the animal with knowledgeable educators of the Philadelphia Zoo.
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One Book, One Philadelphia Kickoff Celebration (A Conversation with Tariq Trotter) Parkway Central Library on Friday, April 11, 2025, 7:30 p.m.
Join the library for a conversation with Tariq ‘Black Thought’ Trotter, author of The Upcycled Self, the 2025 season of One Book, One Philadelphia book selection. Enjoy a performance featuring students from CAPA.
Books will be available for purchase at the library during the event, with a book signing following the presentation.
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PrintPHILLY! at Parkway Central Library on Saturday, April 12, 2025, 10:00 a.m.
Residents are invited to attend the third annual printPHILLY! This event focuses on printmaking as a vital, contemporary art medium, as well as one of historic significance to the city of Philadelphia.
Participants include over 40 individual artists, print shops, collectives, and non-profit spaces. Co-sponsored with the Philadelphia Print Consortium, the event includes a lecture from the curator and hands-on workshops.
This National Library Week, take time to rediscover the library and see how it draws us together as a community. Whether you are ready to enjoy your first book, preparing for a career change, launching a business, raising a family, or embracing retirement, the Free Library is here to support your journey.
About National Library Week
First celebrated in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries of all types across the country each April.
For more information about National Library Week at the Free Library of Philadelphia, visit www.freelibrary.org/libraryweek and follow us on Instagram (@freelibrary) or Facebook (@Free Library of Philadelphia).
04/04/2025
Department of External Affairs, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710, FAX (215) 567-7850