To build an enlightened community devoted to lifelong learning, The Free Library is an advocate and valuable resource for students in and around the City of Philadelphia. The Free Library Foundation proudly supports the Library’s mission to advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire curiosity by funding vital services and enriching programs that positively impact our local youth, not just during the school year, but over the summer break too!
Here are a few happenings at the Free Library of Philadelphia this summer to stimulate young minds — and keep kids and teens busy instead of bored!
We are excited to announce the 2024 Summer of Wonder program begins on June 3 and runs through August 9! Throughout this summer reading challenge (for all ages), participants can attend Library programs, find new books to read, and explore activities to keep minds growing and engaged throughout the summer season, either virtually or in person. Children can take home a Summer of Wonder Activity Log to track their progress (available in English and Spanish), and teens can enter a raffle every time they participate in a Library activity or program. Register online with Beanstack and/or download the free app for iOS and Android devices, or visit your neighborhood Free Library to learn more and join the fun!
The Free Library of Philadelphia is excited to once again partner with The Franklin Institute to present GSK Science in the Summer, an informal, hands-on summer science program for children entering grades two through six! This year's theme, "Be a Space Scientist," invites children to explore the diverse roles of scientists as they investigate the universe, gather information, and use actual scientific tools, machines, and procedures to solve real-world problems. Designed to build confidence and interest in STEM pursuits, Science in the Summer programs will take place at select libraries throughout the City of Philadelphia from June 3 to August 9, 2024, and varies by location. For more information, stop by a Free Library location or visit scienceinthesummer.com.
Check out the Events page at freelibrary.org for more summer programs for kids and teens, including a variety of weekly clubs, arts and crafts activities, movie screenings, entertaining performances, video and RPG games, storytimes, author and illustrator visits, and so much more! Also, don’t forget to show the Library some love this summer by becoming a member or making a donation to the Free Library Fund. Public support helps us fund vital Free Library services and programs that make a difference in communities throughout Philadelphia.
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The Free Library is one of Philadelphia's most important educational and cultural institutions. While the City of Philadelphia provides public funds for the operations of the Free Library, it is through the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation and the generosity of private funding from individuals, foundations, and corporations that the Free Library can offer many of the Library’s incredible programs and activities that advance literacy, guide learning, inspire curiosity throughout the region, and help deliver on the promise of an equitable future for all of Philadelphia’s children, families, and communities.
Have a question for Free Library staff? Please submit it to our Ask a Librarian page and receive a response within two business days.