The first Saturday of February is Take Your Child to the Library Day! This holiday, invented by two librarians, encourages families to make a trip to their neighborhood library with their young learners leading the way.

As an added bonus this year, The African American Children’s Book Fair also falls on the same day as Take Your Child to the Library Day!

This annual event, going on 29 years strong now, features award-winning authors and illustrators whose work focuses on the lived experiences of children and teens of color. These beautiful and thoughtful works can enrich the lives of all young readers. This year's book fair will be held virtually on Saturday, February 6, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Register now!

But you don't have to wait for a special holiday to explore all the Free Library has to offer—you and the children in your life can visit and experience the library virtually!

Resources for Everyone
With your library card, your family has free online access to ebooks, audiobooks, streaming media, news sources, and more. Databases provide online access to digital media and online learning. 

Learn more about the Free Library’s electronic books and resources with this video introduction, or explore the Free Library’s Kids’ section for some of our favorite digital resources for children and families.

Watch this video to learn how to apply for a library card.

Student Services
Need some help with school work? Learn how to access Homework Help Online for free help from a live tutor, powered by Tutor.com. You can also access media, research articles, and more on our collection of databases, all available for free with your library card.

Looking for the perfect fit for high school? Explore the new Philly High School Choice tool. 

Family Fun
Did you know that the Free Library’s Virtual Summer Reading Challenge is now year-round? Sign up for our Winter Reading Challenge through the end of February, or try one of our brand new mini-challenges! Get active in your world with Social Justice, create your own story in the Writer’s Studio, celebrate the Youth Media Awards with Read a Winner, get media-savvy with Navigating the News, or practice some healing self-expression in the Journaling Jawn. Sign up today to learn more.

Cooking together is a wonderful way to help children and teens gain confidence and skill in the kitchen. With the Free Library’s Culinary Literacy Center, you can learn new recipes, techniques, and explore the food of different cultures with their online videos.

Access information for caregivers and fun and simple at-home activities for kids on the Youth Services and Programs Facebook page. Check out LEAP on Facebook for fun craft activities for kids and teens like this glass-painting tutorial.

You can also attend Author Events and our wide selection of virtual programs for the whole family online.
 

Remember: there’s always something new to discover at the Free Library!