The fall season is upon us, and along with turning leaves and back-to-school resources, the Free Library is here to help you and your family learn, grow, and play every day.
For the Whole Family
The Free Library’s Fall Learning Challenge is open to all ages.Fall Learning Challenge
If you loved the virtual Summer of Wonder, we’ve got a new challenge for you! Take a break from schoolwork with some hands-on fun with our virtual Fall Learning Challenge! This virtually accessible learning adventure runs to December 1, and it is now open for registration to all ages and groups! Sign up to earn points and badges online with a new season’s worth of inspiring craft projects, engaging games, relaxing mindfulness activities, writing challenges, book reviews, and your favorite fall reads, of course!
Virtual and In-Person Programs and Events
Check-in regularly with Free Library's online events calendar to find programs for all ages, including storytimes, book clubs, maker programs, language conversation groups, professional development and adult education opportunities, and mutual aid events. Hungry for more? Follow the Culinary Literacy Center on Facebook to access virtual cooking classes and recipes you can make at home. Follow Youth Services on Facebook and Instagram for latest resources, programs, and events for kids, teens, families, and educators.
Get Connected
Don’t have reliable internet at home? PHLConnectED will connect eligible K–12 student households with access to reliable internet service at no cost through June 2022. Call 211 to get started with the application process or visit PHLConnectED online to learn more.
The city of Philadelphia can help your family connect to the internet for free.Babies and Toddlers
An early learner shares a story with a caregiver at the library with Read, Baby, Read. Photo credit: Chris Baker EvensOutdoor Baby Storytime
Join Miss Mary of Parkway Central Library's Children’s Department for a socially-distant Outdoor Baby Storytime at Shakespeare Park on Mondays at 10:30 am.
Read Baby Read
Read Baby Read hosts a virtual storytime for babies every Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. on Instagram Live. You can also find them on the Youth Services Facebook page to discover simple literacy learning tips for babies and their caregivers. Find additional offerings for babies, toddlers, and their caregivers on our online events calendar.
Kids, Tweens, and Teens
Help with Homework!
Did you know that the Free Library offers free Homework Help Online with your library card? Though LEAP is not currently providing in-person service, the program is sharing helpful tips and resources through Facebook and Instagram. View their video tutorial to help students access free Homework Help Online. To learn more and get best tips around virtual schooling, watch this archived video Q & A. Still need answers? The LEAP team will respond to any questions you may have in the comments under the live session. Find more back to school resources on our blog!
Make something new with the Free Library.Virtual Fun for Fall
This fall, Youth Services is sharing three new weekly activities on social media. On Mondays, flex your mind muscles with a puzzling brain teaser. Every Wednesday, take a screen break with project ideas to explore your crafty, creative side. On Fridays, play games and try new challenges to grow into a super reader with DIY Lit Lab. Follow Youth Services on Facebook or Instagram to join in on the fun! And while you’re at it, register for the virtual Fall Learning Challenge and earn points for every program you take part in!
Teen Central
Join the virtual Fall Learning Challenge to log and review your favorite YA reads, calm your mind, body, and soul with some mindfulness practice, or take part in a writing challenge. How many badges can you earn this fall?
Follow LEAP on Facebook and Instagram for online learning tips, live discussions, self-care suggestions, high school choice, and other programs just for teens. Access Homework Help Online to get a tutor's help with math problems, essay-writing, college entrance preparation, and all things homework from the comfort of your home.
Follow the Free Library's Field Teen Center on Instagram for virtual Teen Talk discussions, jewelry-making, painting projects, YA book reviews, homework hangouts, board games, and more. For reading inspiration, check out their extensive collection of booklists for teens in our catalog.
Find Your Story This Fall with Youth Services at the Free Library.
Have a question for Free Library staff? Please submit it to our Ask a Librarian page and receive a response within two business days.