Did you know that July is Anti-Boredom Month?

If your job or class schedule has eased up for the summer and you find yourself with some extra time on your hands, check out these ways to beat boredom and keep busy with the help of the Free Library!
 

Attend an In-Person Outdoor Event or Log On to a Virtual Event
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, our staff have worked hard to offer virtual events that bring your favorite Free Library programs right to your living room. We recently began offering in-person outdoor programs as well, from storytimes to crafting to yoga, so browse our events calendar now and find something that interests you! You can also check out our YouTube channel for videos of past programs and watch at your own pace! And remember, we're working to increase in-person services all the time, with a goal of resuming five days of service across the city in the coming months, so stay tuned for updates.

Participate in the Summer of Wonder
Another Summer of Wonder, our annual summer reading initiative, is now underway! The program's goal is to engage Philadelphians in virtual and in-person activities that encourage reading and help prevent out-of-school learning loss for students. Now through August 31, use a Summer of Wonder passport to track your reading progress, and get involved in a variety of exciting programs from artistic inspiration and STEAM building projects to writing groups and world exploration.

Learn a New Language
Whether you’re aiming to learn a new language altogether or brush up on one you already know, you can add a foreign language to your repertoire with the help of Mango Languages! We also offer language learning classes, supporting the individual literacy and learning goals of all Philadelphians.

Pick Up a New Skill
LinkedIn Learning lets you choose from thousands of online courses to learn in-demand skills from real-world industry experts. Learn business, creative, and technology skills to achieve your personal and professional goals.

Cut Clutter
Drowning in junk? Take advantage of your free time to get organized with these books and resources on clutter, organization, time management, and what to do with unwanted possessions.

Join us for an Author Event
Our summer Author Events season is currently in full swing virtually, bringing you meaningful dialogue with today's most celebrated voices in the humanities and sciences. Can't make it for a conversation? Catch up afterward with archived podcasts, video recordings, or exclusive backstage conversations.

Cook with the Culinary Literacy Center
Edible Alphabet is a free English Language Learning (ELL) program offered by our Culinary Literacy Center, whose mission is to teach English language and literacy skills through hands-on cooking projects. For the time being, all Edible Alphabet classes are being run virtually in the interest of public health and safety. During weeks when virtual classes are on break, they share weekly recipes from our class curriculum and participants right here on the blog!

Need more ideas? Visit freelibrary.org and browse our digital media offerings, online databases, and catalog, and take advantage of the most valuable card in your wallet—your library card, of course! And as always, our Explore Topics and Knowledge Base are rabbit holes just waiting for you to get lost in! 

How do you use your library card to keep busy? Let us know in the comments!