What draws people to the library? Everything! From books and digital resources to job assistance and creative programming, libraries are essential to thriving communities. 

National Library Week, April 6–12, 2025, is a time to celebrate the many ways libraries bring people together, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning.

At the Free Library of Philadelphia, we invite the community to join the celebration! Whether you're a longtime patron or haven’t visited in a while, now is the perfect time to explore all the library has to offer. Our library provides unique programs and services like author events; storytimes; LEAP (Literacy Enrichment After-School Program); One Book, One Philadelphia; Summer of Wonder; cooking classes, career services, and so much more! We also offer free Wi-Fi and access to physical and digital collections. At the Free Library, everyone has access to resources that educate, inspire, and connect. 

Kelly Richards, Free Library President and Director, said:

"Libraries provide space and opportunities for everyone. People are drawn to the Free Library because of how it makes them feel safe. Libraries serve as hubs for learning, creativity, and connection, helping people of all ages explore new ideas and opportunities. Everyone is welcome!"

Join Us for Special National Library Week Events

• Free For All: The Public Library Movie Screening with WHYY at Parkway Central Library on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.

  The documentary, Free for All: The Public Library, tells the story of the quiet revolutionaries who made a simple idea happen. From the “Free Library Movement” to today's librarians who service the public, meet those who created a civic institution where everything is free and the doors are open to all.

• PA CareerLink® Job Search Assistance at Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.

  Meet with a Community Workforce Connector from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for one-on-one job search assistance. Get individualized support with résumé development, career counseling, and professional development workshops.

• Animal Tales with the Philadelphia Zoo at Charles L. Durham Library on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 3:30 p.m.

  The Charles L. Durham Library will be hosting the Philadelphia Zoo! Listen to a story read by the librarian, then meet an animal from the story and discover and learn more about it with knowledgeable educators from the Philadelphia Zoo.

• The Author Events Series features novelist Katie Kitamura, speaking about her book Audition on Wednesday, April 9 at 7:00 p.m.

  Kitamura, the author of five novels, has been awarded the Rome Prize in Literature and has been longlisted for the National Book Award and PEN/Faulkner Award.

• One Book, One Philadelphia Kickoff Celebration (A Conversation with Tariq Trotter) at Parkway Central Library on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.

  Join us for a conversation with Tariq ‘Black Thought’ Trotter, author of The Upcycled Self, the 2025 season of One Book, One Philadelphia book selection. Enjoy a performance featuring students from CAPA. Books will be available for purchase at the library during the event with a book signing following the presentation.

• PrintPHILLY! at Parkway Central Library on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

  Join us for the third annual printPHILLY! This event focuses on printmaking as a vital, contemporary art medium, as well as one of historic significance to Philadelphia. Participants include over 40 individual artists, print shops, collectives, and non-profit spaces. Co-sponsored with the Philadelphia Print Consortium, the event includes a lecture from the curator and hands-on workshops.

This National Library Week, take time to rediscover the library and see how it draws us together as a community. Whatever draws you in, the library has something for everyone. Whether you are ready to enjoy your first book, preparing for a career change, launching a business, raising a family, or embracing retirement, the Free Library is here to support your journey.

View more events happening at the Free Library during National Library Week!