Gear Up for Success With Back To School Giveaways!

By Emily S. RSS Fri, August 4, 2023

We may just be wrapping up the dog days of summer, but a new school year is just around the corner! For Philly families looking for school supplies, we’ve got some hot tips.

Each year, the Philadelphia School District hosts a Ring the Bell Bus Tour, featuring sweet school supply giveaways from July 31 until August 18. These one-stop school readiness events will feature food, games, and music. Families can pick up free backpacks and school supplies, register their children, and sign up for a Parent Portal Account. You can even get kids immunized (for free) at select locations with pre-registration! For the district, school starts on September 5. For even more information about getting back to school, visit Philadelphia School District’s Ring the Bell site.

To find more school supply giveaways in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas, you might explore listings on Eventbrite, contact your local charitable or religious organizations, or ask your closest neighborhood librarian

If you are an educator looking for additional supplies for your classroom or a generous heart who wants to help, check out the Supply a Teacher program!


In the meantime, Summer of Wonder is still going strong. Keep an eye on our events calendar to find special events at your favorite library. To join us online, visit freelibrary.org/summer.


Have a question for Free Library staff? Please submit it to our Ask a Librarian page and receive a response within two business days.

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I have two children, can I get two school backpacks and school supplies? Thanks a lot
Wen Lin - Philadelphia
Wednesday, August 9, 2023

Hello Wen Lin. Absolutely! The backpacks are one per child. Take them both to one of the events listed on the website.
Emily S. - Youth Services
Wednesday, August 9, 2023

I need a bookbag
Tylersimpkins - Philadelphia
Wednesday, August 30, 2023

I need bookbags for my 3 niece's
Paula Pickelsimer - Philadelphia
Monday, September 4, 2023

To those still looking for backpacks and school supplies, check with your children's school and your nearest library to see if they know about any continuing giveaways!
Emily S - Youth Services
Tuesday, September 5, 2023