We’re halfway through our Summer of Wonder here at the Free Library of Philadelphia, and we’re hearing lots of success stories from our neighborhood libraries across the city. Here are a few highlights and photos!

• Mayor Jim Kenney visited the Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library in early July and read The Wild Robot by Peter Brown during the library’s chapter book read-aloud! Mayor Kenney is so passionate about the Free Library’s Summer of Wonder that he’s invited kids throughout Philadelphia to call him and tell him about the books they’re reading. Learn more about Read & Ring and call the Mayor at 267-689-READ (7323).
   
• Playing board games, designing bags and bottles, and even a homegrown version of Cupcake Wars have all been organized recently at the Independence Library. This Summer Reading programming has brought in dozens of teens who’ve enjoyed the site’s friendly competition and artistic experimentation. Lynne from Independence tells us her library is also planning a number of other surprise programs throughout the summer, so keep an eye out for even more creative scheduling!
   
• Walnut Street West hosts a weekly LEGO Club for kids! Children ranging in age from 5 to 12 can come together to "build something that matches their imagination," Keegan from Walnut Street West describes. Kids are even offered the chance to have their creations photographed and posted to the library’s Facebook page! Interested in joining? LEGO Club takes place every Friday at 3:30 p.m. 

Check your local library’s calendar listings for great events like these and to get involved in the fun and free Summer of Wonder activities for all ages and interests. Also, be sure to check out our Online Summer Reading program for ways to interact with the Free Library digitally.

Enjoy the summer, Philadelphia, and happy reading!