We’re celebrating National Library Week with kids and families! The annual event instituted by the American Library Association encourages library lovers of all stripes to celebrate these book-filled and innovative institutions.

This year, we’re exploring the theme, "There’s More to the Story," and taking the opportunity to look at some of the many non-traditional offerings the Free Library is proud to share with our community — especially for children, teens, and families.

Programming for Kids, Teens, and Families

Are you the caregiver to a baby or toddler? Help them get started on their reading journey in a fun and nurturing environment with Read, Baby, Read! Tailored to meet the needs of our youngest learners, our baby storytimes, dance parties, and playgroups help babies and their caregivers learn through play. Visit one of our dedicated library baby spaces or find an upcoming program near you. 

Everyone’s favorite after-school program is back in full force! LEAP is a free, drop-in library program available to all school-aged students. After-school leaders provide homework help, hands-on literacy enrichment, STEAM activities, and more. Check out our events calendar or contact your neighborhood library to find out what LEAP programming is happening near you.

The Summer Camp Challenge provides resource materials and curriculum support to camps that commit to adding 60 minutes of literacy activities to their program each day. If you are a camp leader who wants to help kids grow into strong readers and learners this summer, sign up today! The program is geared towards children entering 1st through third grade. Registration closes on April 30, 2023.

The Field Family Teen Author Series brings together YA authors and their teen readers. Participating middle school and high school classrooms are provided copies of a selected title, an introduction to the author’s work, and a virtual visit from the author. This program is by invitation only. School administrators and educators that are interested in participating in the fall can email teenauthors@freelibrary.org to learn more.

Are you a young adult thinking about your future? Someone who’s experienced job disruption or underemployment in the past few years, and you’re ready to try something new? Join our Career Exploration Series at a branch near you to investigate future career options and what the path to a new working life might involve. This event, offered at several locations, is for job seekers 18 and up, and pre-registration is required. If you're not yet 18 or you prefer to DIY, check out the Free Library Guide to Launch Your New Career!

Did you know that, in addition to the Summer of Wonder, the Free Library offers online reading challenges all year round? From local Black History to graphic novel creation, our virtual Activity Adventures will spark your passion to learn. Current monthly challenges include April’s Celebrate Earth Day and an upcoming honoring of AAPI Heritage Month in May. These seasonal programs are offered for all ages. Sign up online! Discover even more online offerings for families at the Youth Services Hub.

There’s so much fun programming for kids and families this spring! Explore ways to celebrate the Earth during the month of April. It’s also Poetry Month, and there are plenty of opportunities for wordsmiths of all ages to practice their craft at library events. One Book, One Philadelphia launched this month, as well, with youth companion titles and upcoming events for all ages. There's more to our story, for sure.

And remember, Monday, April 24, is Right to Read Day. So head to your local library (or our online catalog) and exercise your right, perhaps by choosing a banned book! Tuesday the 25th is National Library Workers Day, so it’s a great time to thank your favorite librarian, library aide, after-school leader, or security guard for helping to keep your library up and running, if you feel so inspired. We thank you for your support, and for your love of libraries every day.

Happy National Library Week from Youth Services!