September is Library Card Sign-Up Month, and there are so many reasons to get yourself a card if you don’t have one already! As libraries strive to enter a new era, more and more are branching out beyond their traditional services. According to Public Library Association President Maria McCauley, over half of public libraries in the nation now lend more than books to their patrons. “Libraries all over the country are doing creative things like this,” she told the Christian Science Monitor. The Free Library of Philadelphia is proud to be a part of this exciting wave of the future! Here are just a few of the offerings you can find at the Free Library that might surprise you.

Grow Your Knowing

Explore medieval manuscripts, historical maps and images, digital art prints, children’s literature manuscripts and more all in our Digital Collections! Learn a new language with Mango Languages, or join one of the many language-learning programs offered at our neighborhood libraries and virtually. You can even practice your English at Edible Alphabet, a cooking and language class from the Culinary Literacy Center.  

Get Outdoors

Are you curious about the local wildlife but don’t know where to begin? You can now borrow a Birding Backpack that contains everything you need to get started with bird-watching in your  neck of the urban woods! Andorra Library also offers a limited supply of Hiking Backpacks for curious adults and their kids.  

Expand Your Horizons

At Parkway Central Library’s Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC), get the support you need to update your resume or your headshots, craft a business plan, or launch the next stage in your career. Check out their page to access their resources and view an updated list of events and programs. You can also get job search assistance at career workshops at neighborhood libraries.

Discover Your Roots

Ever wondered about your family tree? The Free Library offers access to a plethora of Philadelphia-based resources and online databases to help you learn more about your genealogy.  

Play Your Own Tune

The Parkway Central Library’s Music Department now offers loans for a wide variety of musical instruments! The department’s staff took advantage of a Covid-related hiatus to expand their selection. Find the instrument that makes your heart sing in their musical catalog.  

And you can still visit the Field Teen Center, attend one of our Author Events, attend a library program, or check out a DVD!

Signing up for a Free Library card is simple. If you live, work, pay taxes, or go to school in Philadelphia, you can get one today! Visit our website to get started. Still have questions? Give our Free Library Call Center a ring at 1-833-TALKFLP.