We may just be wrapping up the dog days of summer, but a new school year is just around the corner! For Philly families looking for school supplies, we’ve got some hot tips.

Each year, the Philadelphia School District hosts a Ring the Bell Bus Tour, featuring sweet school supply giveaways from July 31 until August 18. These one-stop school readiness events will feature food, games, and music. Families can pick up free backpacks and school supplies, register their children, and sign up for a Parent Portal Account. You can even get kids immunized (for free) at select locations with pre-registration! For the district, school starts on September 5. For even more information about getting back to school, visit Philadelphia School District’s Ring the Bell site.

To find more school supply giveaways in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas, you might explore listings on Eventbrite, contact your local charitable or religious organizations, or ask your closest neighborhood librarian. 

If you are an educator looking for additional supplies for your classroom or a generous heart who wants to help, check out the Supply a Teacher program!

In the meantime, Summer of Wonder is still going strong. Keep an eye on our events calendar to find special events at your favorite library. To join us online, visit freelibrary.org/summer.