Guess what? The Field Teen Center at the Free Library officially opens to the public on April 12, 2019! The 4,000 square feet space is the first ever specifically designed for teens at the Parkway Central Library.
In addition to old favorites such as public computers and Afterschool Programming, the Field Teen Center now has meeting rooms where you and your friends can run that Dungeons and Dragons campaign you've been setting up or work together on a group project. We’ve more than doubled the size of our manga and graphic novel collections! We’ve also increased the number of staff serving teens in the space, so you'll find some new faces next time you stop in. There’s plenty of new comfy seating too, so come in and claim your spot. (We recommend the booths!)
We’d be remiss if we didn’t tell you about some of the Opening Weekend festivities we’ve planned for you! Check it out:
Friday, April 12
Open Studio | 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. | Open to teens ages 12–18
Join us for a 2-hour session open to teen artists at any skill level who have an interest in developing their drawing and observation skills with different techniques and materials. Materials will be provided but everyone is welcome to bring their own supplies.
Philly Slam League | 4:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m. | Montgomery Auditorium |Open to all ages.
Every Friday, the Field Teen Center hosts the Philly Slam League, a competition of team slam poetry! If your school doesn’t have a team, join ours—we practice every Wednesday afternoon.
Saturday, April 13
(Please note the Parkway Central Library will be closing at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 13 for the Family Fest!)
Start your SATurday right with SAT practice tests to improve your score on the big test.
Nurture yourself from the inside out! Come take time for yourself as we explore efforts and crafts to help meet our physical, emotional, and mental-health needs.
Sunday, April 14
Open-play gaming tournament featuring Yu-Gi-Oh! and Magic: The Gathering. Bring your own cards or use some of ours.
After our opening weekend, teens will reign in the Field Teen Center. We’ll be offering afterschool programming every day of the week featuring your interests. Come in and chat with our staff about what types of programs you’d like to see go on in our new space!
Of course, we’ve also got some upcoming special events planned, including…
Thursday, April 25
Join us at the Parkway Central Library for volunteering, job training, educational, and employment opportunities for teens and upcoming high school graduates.
Saturday, May 11
Free Library Comic Con | 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | Parkway Central Library
Our 5th annual Comic Con event at the Free Library featuring gaming, cosplay, art, workshops, and panel discussions! Register for your free ticket on Eventbrite.
Wednesday, June 26
Free Library of Pride Drag Show | 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. | Skyline Room
Returning for its third year, this all-ages drag show features local Philadelphia performers.
Field Teen Center hours will be:
- Monday-Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Friday 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
What would you like to see happen at YOUR library? Help us plan programs! Send your ideas to TeenCenter@freelibrary.org. This is your space, after all—come and make it your own!
Have a question for Free Library staff? Please submit it to our Ask a Librarian page and receive a response within two business days.